HATTIESBURG — Tragedy has again touched the family of fallen Hattiesburg Police Officer Benjamin J. Deen.
The Hattiesburg American reports Deen’s daughter, 13-year-old Melah Deen, died Friday.
Allen Murray, president of the Hattiesburg Fraternal Order of Police, confirmed the death but said the family has not released any information about the cause of death or funeral arrangements. Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Murray says the community is “really taking this loss to heart” because police officers consider themselves as the Deens’ extended family. In addition to the teen’s mother, Robin Deen of Sumrall, survivors include her brother, Walker Deen, and grandparents.
Thirty-four-year-old Benjamin Deen was killed May 9 along with 25-year-old Officer Liquori Tate during a traffic stop. Nine people have been arrested for the killings.
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