Authorities have identified 41-year-old Kenlanda Burns, a longtime cafeteria worker with the Yazoo City Municipal School District, as the victim of a fatal shooting Tuesday morning at the Willow Wood Apartments on Grady Avenue.
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Police were called to the complex around 6:30 a.m., where they found Burns deceased at the scene. Investigators quickly named her estranged partner, Erwin Barnes, as the suspect. Later that day, Barnes was discovered dead near U.S. 49 by Pocahontas from what officials believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Family and friends describe Burns as a kindhearted and loving person whose death has left an irreplaceable void. “I was going through messages this morning and looking at what she just reached out and just said. I just want you to know that I love you very much. It is very hard. It is very hard for so many reasons,” her cousin, SirJohnathan Rucker, shared.
The Yazoo City Municipal School District also released a statement paying tribute:
“The Yazoo City Municipal School District is deeply saddened to share the passing of one of our beloved team members, Kenlanda Burns, a dedicated cafeteria employee who served our students with care and kindness. She was a familiar and friendly face to so many of our students and staff, always offering a warm smile and a helping hand. Ms. Burns played an important role in our school community, and her presence will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.”
Burns is remembered as more than an employee—she was a friend, mentor, and source of comfort for countless students. Her warmth and kindness will live on in the memories of her family, colleagues, and community.