RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – The man accused of killing two people in Rankin County made his initial appearance in court on September 3, 2025.

Matthew Brian Kidd is facing charges for murder and burglary. On the murder charges, Kidd was denied bond. He received a $500,000 bond for the burglary charge.

During his court appearance via Zoom, Kidd waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said Kidd was charged in connection to a homicide that occurred in the 3300 block of Highway 80 on August 27, 2025. The victim was identified as William Earl Morris.

Brandon police said Kidd was also charged in connection to the fatal shooting of Christian Storey on Gayden Street on August 28, 2025.

Bailey said authorities received a tip that Kidd had checked into a Brandon hotel on August 29, 2025. He said witnesses had seen Kidd on the news and called law enforcement.

Brandon police and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded to the hotel and executed a search warrant. Kidd was arrested without incident, and a weapon was recovered from the room.