Jackson Man Charged in Alleged Intentional Fatal Crash

Shannon Thomas faces murder, attempted murder, and leaving the scene charges after crash killed cyclist Kaitlyn Mangum-Gast

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A 57-year-old Jackson man has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and leaving the scene of an accident after police say he intentionally struck two people riding a bicycle, killing 21-year-old Kaitlyn Mangum-Gast and injuring a 36-year-old man. Shannon Thomas was granted a $500,000 bond on the murder charge and a $10,000 bond for leaving the scene.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers cyclists face on the road and the need for increased safety measures and accountability for drivers who deliberately cause harm. It also raises questions about mental health, road rage, and the broader issue of violence in Jackson, which has seen a spike in homicides so far this year.

The details

According to police, on March 4 Thomas struck Mangum-Gast and the 36-year-old man as they were riding a bicycle in the 4800 block of Chastain Drive around 11:14 a.m. Mangum-Gast died from her injuries, and the case is now being investigated as Jackson's 13th homicide of the year. Detectives initially responded to the incident as a crash but later determined the collision was intentional. Thomas was arrested on March 6 and his vehicle was towed for processing as evidence.

  • The incident occurred on March 4, 2026 around 11:14 a.m.
  • Thomas was arrested on March 6, 2026
  • Thomas appeared in municipal court on March 9, 2026 and was granted bond

The players

Shannon Thomas

A 57-year-old Jackson resident who has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and leaving the scene of an accident for allegedly intentionally striking two people on a bicycle, killing one.

Kaitlyn Mangum-Gast

A 21-year-old woman who was killed when the bicycle she was riding was struck by Thomas' vehicle.

Jackson Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident as Jackson's 13th homicide of the year.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Thomas to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for greater protections and justice for vulnerable road users like cyclists, as well as a deeper examination of the root causes behind such acts of violence on our streets.