Jason Blake, Clay Paulk Obituary, Death – A tragic incident in Pike County has claimed the life of an off-duty McComb police officer in what authorities suspect was a murder-suicide. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a call around 3 p.m. on August 5 at a residence near Cole Thomas Road, close to Highway 44 East. Upon arrival, they discovered two men, Sgt. Jason Blake and Clay Paulk, deceased from gunshot wounds. A third individual, Nicki Wilson, was found injured from a gunshot but was still alive and was quickly transported to Southwest Regional Medical Center. Thankfully, her injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
According to the sheriff’s office, initial findings suggest that Clay Paulk, who previously had a relationship with Wilson, forcibly entered the home. Once inside, he allegedly shot both Jason Blake and Nicki Wilson with a shotgun. After the attack, investigators believe Paulk turned a handgun on himself and died by suicide before deputies arrived. Detectives later located his vehicle not far from the home.
Sgt. Jason Blake had served with the McComb Police Department for five years and had accumulated 16 years of total law enforcement experience, which included prior service with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. McComb Police Chief Earnest Perry shared heartfelt words about Blake, stating that he died doing what he was passionate about—serving and protecting others. Perry described Blake as a beloved figure in the community and expressed deep sorrow over his loss.
“This is some of the stuff we sign up for. He died doing what he loved,” Chief Perry remarked. “He was well-loved in the community. It is just a sad day, and until we figure out the circumstances, just keep us in your prayers.”
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, but the current evidence supports the theory that the tragedy was the result of a murder-suicide. Law enforcement is working to understand the full sequence of events and any potential motivations that led to this fatal encounter.
This devastating event has left the local community in mourning, especially those within the law enforcement family who worked closely with Sgt. Blake. His service and dedication to the people of McComb and Pike County are being remembered with deep respect and admiration.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the nature of the relationship between Wilson and Paulk or the events leading up to the shooting, but the public has been asked to offer any information that might assist in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, authorities continue to support Wilson as she recovers from her injuries, both physical and emotional, after the horrific ordeal.
