By Kevin Jefferies
Commerce – Two men have been indicted for murder charges after shootings in Commerce in June. 23 year old Adam Ward has been indicted for the shooting death of Commerce Code Enforcement Officer Michael Pee Wee Walker the morning of June 13th. Walker was taking photographs of city code violations at Ward's residence when an argument began between the two. Adam Ward then allegedly went back into his house, retrieved a .45 caliber handgun, and came back out and shot Walker several times. The indictment claims Ward killed Walker while in the course of committing or attempting to commit obstruction or retaliation.
In a second indictment, 25 year old Brian Patrick is accused of killing 26 year old James Prothro of Commerce. Prothro was shot June 30th. Patrick is said to have fled the scene, leading to a manhunt involving several local agencies. He was later apprehended by the Hopkins County Sheriff four hours after the shooting.