Multiple agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were recognized by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Mississippi for their efforts in supporting victims during a recent jury trial. Special Agent David Erhart, Special Agent Jackson Price, and Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephen Bridgmon were awarded the Carolyn Clayton Victims' Service Award during National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This recognition was given for their role in supporting the victims throughout the prosecution of Korea McKay and in building trust between the victims' families and the government.
Court documents revealed that Korea McKay, 44, shot and killed Davao Thomas on February 18, 2023, in the Kirby Estates apartment complex after Thomas reportedly asked McKay to reduce speed. McKay was convicted by a federal jury on March 26, 2025, for being a felon in possession of ammunition related to the homicide. McKay, already having prior felony convictions, faces up to 15 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 17, 2025.
Special Agent David Erhart was integral in establishing and maintaining a relationship with the victim's family following Mr. Thomas's death in Tunica County. Special Agent Jackson Price and Acting ASAC Stephen Bridgmon ensured the family could attend the trial in Oxford and supported them throughout.
“These agents would be worthy of commendation just for their outstanding work in putting a violent killer behind bars, but their efforts went much further than that,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. He emphasized how the agents demonstrated a victim-centered approach, ensuring dignity and respect for the victim’s family.
Joshua Jackson, ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge, recognized the agents' compassion and excellent investigatory work, congratulating them on their well-deserved honors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Stringfellow and Julie Addison are prosecuting McKay's case. This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department bolstered its violent crime reduction strategy in May 2021, emphasizing community trust and strategic enforcement.