Deadly Family Betrayal: Man Found
Guilty of Shooting and Burning Cousin to Death
October 1st, 2025
(Jackson, MS) – Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced yesterday that 59- year-old, Carleton Haynes, has been found guilty of First-Degree Murder and Arson in the death of his cousin, 58-year-old Melvin McNair.
On June 14, 2023, Jackson Police Department officers were called to a residence on West County Line Road after reports of a house fire. Upon arrival, detectives discovered McNair lying in the doorway at the back of the home. He had been shot in the face with a sawed-off shotgun, and the lower part of his body had been burned. Investigators determined that Haynes, who had been staying with McNair, shot him during a verbal and physical altercation. Witnesses stated that before fleeing the scene, Haynes shouted, “I told you not to play with me!” Haynes then poured gasoline on McNair and throughout the home before setting both on fire. The following morning, police were called back to the location where they discovered Haynes sitting on the front porch. He was arrested and taken into custody by the Jackson Police Department.
After trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict against Haynes on all counts. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years to be served consecutively under the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
“This was a brutal act of betrayal within a family,” said District Attorney Owens. “Mr. McNair opened his home to help a relative battling addiction, and that kindness was repaid with violence and fire. Hinds County will not tolerate such acts of rage, and my office will continue to prioritize seeking justice for victims and holding offenders accountable.”
Man accused of shooting cousin, setting him on fire
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JODY E. OWENS, II
