Copiah County Chief Deputy Derrick Cubit said today that the Copiah County Sheriff’s Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of 38-year-old Lawrence County resident Christopher Michael Smith.

Previously a “person of interest” in the case, Smith is now a suspect in the shooting death of Nakissa Benson, 38, of Monticello. Her body was found Tuesday in a field on Monticello Road in Copiah County. Cubit said the sheriff’s office received a call around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday reporting that there was a body lying in the field.

When officers arrived, they found a black 2008 Pontiac stopped in the roadway with the driver’s side door open, Cubit said. There appeared to be gunshots in the driver’s side door, and in the field along the wood line a woman’s body was found in close proximity to the vehicle.

Cubit said there was no tag information on Smith’s car at this time.

“We are asking anyone with any information to contact their local law enforcement, or Crime Stoppers,” he said.

Cubit said this morning there have been no reported sightings or new information on Smith. He is still considered armed and dangerous. Cubit advises citizens not to approach Smith and call their local law enforcement if they have any information.

Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-888-8-CRIMES (1-888-827-4637). Persons with information may also contact Copiah County Sheriff’s Department at (601) 894-3011.