The tip hotline is now open for calls with information regarding recent Jefferson Davis County death and arson investigations.

Five people have been murdered in Jefferson Davis County since December.

Patrick Hartzog and Stephen Abram were killed Dec. 16, on White Rogers Road.

Less than two weeks later, Reginald Hartzog was found dead of a gunshot wound in a burned home on Hartzog Magee Road.

Edna Brister was found dead outside her burned home on Hwy. 13 North on Feb. 12. She had multiple stab and gunshot wounds to the abdomen and back. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of whoever started the Brister fire.

Just two days later, authorities found 25-year-old Ashley Oatis shot to death after a drive-by shooting on Valentine’s Day. The incident happened on Zion Hill Church Road.

“We are aggressively investigating all five of these murders with the help of the MBI, MBN and State Frie Marshal’s office,” said Jefferson Davis County Sheriff Ron Strickland. “If you have any informatoin regarding these crimes, please call our office at 601-792-5169 or Metro Crime Stoppers.

Tipsters can call 601-582-STOP(7867) or go online to www.p3tips.com. Tipsters must call or contact Metro Crime Stoppers online to be eligible for a cash reward.

Tips are confidential and no calls are taped, traced or recorded.  All callers are given an identification number to claim cash reward money.

Metro Crime Stoppers serves six counties: Jefferson Davis, Forrest, Lamar, Covington, Marion and Lawrence.