Gary Poplar, 56, of Benton County, was shot and killed on Saturday night, April 11, 2026, during a horse exhibition in the Wall Hill region of Marshall County, Mississippi. When the fighting broke out, a sizable gathering was taking place near Highway 309, where deputies arrived.
According to investigators, the incident began as a verbal altercation between Poplar and Milton Burton of Byhalia. Witnesses reported that the disagreement escalated rapidly, culminating in Burton firing the shot that fatally wounded Poplar. Authorities have not released details about what triggered the confrontation, but they confirmed the dispute was isolated to the two men involved.
Emergency responders attempted to assist Poplar, but he died at the scene. The horse show, which had drawn attendees from across the region, was abruptly halted as deputies secured the area and began interviewing witnesses. No additional injuries were reported, and officials emphasized that the shooting did not pose a broader threat to the public.
Following the shooting, Milton Burton did not flee or attempt to evade law enforcement. Instead, he voluntarily turned himself in to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department shortly afterward. Deputies described his cooperation as immediate, and he was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges, though Burton is expected to face serious felony counts related to Poplar’s death. The sheriff’s office stated that the investigation remains active as they continue gathering statements, reviewing evidence, and preparing the case for arraignment.
The killing has shaken the local community, particularly those who regularly attend horse shows in the Wall Hill and Byhalia areas. Friends and family of Poplar are mourning his loss, while residents await further updates from investigators about the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.