December 24, 2024 - Law enforcement officers were dispatched to a grocery store in the 1100 block of Shelbyville Street behind which a body was discovered on December 23, 2024 around 5pm.
Multiple units with the Center Police Department were at the scene assisted by Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies.
Officers were also at a house on McKee Street during the investigation near the incident scene.
After authorities finished conducting their initial investigation at the scene, the deceased individual was transported from the location by Mangum Funeral Home and an autopsy is anticipated.
According to information released by the Center Police Department, officers with the Center Police Department Communications received a call about a welfare check on December 23, 2024.
The caller stated that her son, later identified as Cordero Wyatt, 36, had been at his girlfriend's residence in Center and was no longer answering his phone, nor had he returned home. Officers contacted the girlfriend, identified as Alicia Petite, 40, who informed officers that Wyatt had been at her residence earlier and friends had picked him up, but he was no longer at her house.
Officers responded to Petites’ residence, and she allowed them to look in the home for Wyatt. Some of Wyatt's belongings were located in the residence, including his cell phone. Responding officers contacted the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and Detectives began investigating a possible missing person.
During the investigation, it was learned that a Mtwakil Saeed, 26, was at Petites’ home when Wyatt arrived, and a disturbance took place. During the investigation, it was learned that Saeed brandished a firearm and shot multiple times, some of which struck Wyatt. Wyatt was found in a nearby field deceased.
Detectives conducted multiple search warrants, and evidence was recovered to support information detectives had learned through interviews. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Mtwakil Saeed, and Alicia Petite. On December 24, Saeed was arrested on the charge of Murder, felony 1, Petite was arrested on the charge of Tampering with physical evidence, felony 3. Both parties were booked into the Shelby County Jail without incident.
This case is an ongoing investigation, no further details are available at this time. There is no concern of danger to the public currently regarding this case.
