JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A black bow hung above the entrance to the Jackson State University Police Department on Monday and many officers wore a black ribbon over their badge.
They were solemn reminders of Joseph Welch, who was found shot five times early Saturday morning near west Capitol and Kolb streets in Jackson.
Jackson police say the 27 year old was scheduled to be at work about 10 p.m. Friday but never showed. A preliminary coroner's report indicates welch could have been killed about the time he was to report for duty.
Investigators say he was wearing his JSU security officer uniform when he was found.
"He was kind of a quite guy, kind of laid back a little bit," recalled Jackson State University Associate Police Chief Tyrone Kidd.
He says Welch was a good worker and just getting to know the campus.
The Quitman County native had only been on the job ten months but had hopes of one day becoming a police officer.
Welch's aunt also works at Jackson State and according to Kidd, they were thrilled about his new career path.
"She was enthused, as well as he was enthused about becoming a member of this police department and an employee for Jackson State," Kidd said.
Friends have also written numerous messages on Welch's Facebook page, many of them remembering the good times they shared.
The JSU police force had a close bond with him as well.
"It's just difficult when you loose a family member. He's considered a family member with us. You don't want to get a phone call in the middle of the night or the next morning saying that you lost a family member," Kidd said.
Counseling is being made available to the dozen or so JSU employees who worked with Welch on the night shift.
No motive or suspects have been identified by Jackson Police.
Funeral arrangements for Welch are not complete at this time.
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