Three suspects allegedly involved in a string of deadly shootings in Vicksburg and the surrounding areas in early June made their initial appearances in a Warren County courtroom Friday afternoon.

Willie Johnson, 24, and Wilmar Johnson, 23, both of Warren County, were each charged with one count of first degree murder and two counts of drive-by shooting. A third suspect, Adrian Tyler, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said both Willie and Wilmar Johnson are charged in relation to the shooting death of 27-year-old Devonte Gary, who was shot and killed Thursday, June 6, at the intersection of Gibson and Halls Ferry roads.

“These are separate charges, because the building behind where Mr. Gary was standing when he was shot was also struck by gunfire, and it was occupied at the time,” Pace said.

Both men were arrested Friday, June 14, in Tyler, Texas and brought back to Warren County by sheriff’s deputies.

Also arrested in connection with the shooting death were 22-year-old Calbert “Calbo” Cosby, and 45-year-old Jermaine “Bones” Johnson. Both men were arrested in Memphis Friday, June 14.

Tyler, Pace said, is also facing charges connected to the string of shootings, which sent one other person to the hospital and was investigated by the combined efforts of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Vicksburg Police Department.

“We believe these to be targeted shootings,” Pace said during the investigation. “These are not random acts of violence. (Mr. Gary) was absolutely the target and, as the investigation continues, we are working with near-certainty that additional charges will be filed.”

As of now, Tyler is being held on a $200,000 bail imposed Friday by Warren County Court Judge Marcie Southerland. Both Johnson men are being held without bail.