Arson

Press Release – Carleton Haynes

Press Release – Carleton Haynes

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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…

Press Release-Michael Owens

Press Release-Michael Owens

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September 8th, 2025 (Jackson, MS) – Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that Michael Jamal Owens has been found guilty on all charges related to the murder of his wife, 36-year-old Ebony Owens, and the subsequent arson used to cover up the crime.  On March 15, 2023, Michael Owens fatally shot his wife, Ebony Owens, in the head inside their Edwards home. He then wrapped her body in a blanket, placed it in the backseat of her own vehicle, and drove to a remote area on Old Highway 80. At the bridge over the Big Black…

Press Release – Jessica Blount

Press Release – Jessica Blount

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  Jessica Blount Sentenced to 40 years after pleading guilty to murder and arson March 3, 2025 (Jackson, MS) – Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that Jessica Blount has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and arson in connection with the death of 41-year-old Anthony Wilson. On June 14, 2023, the Jackson Fire Department responded to a fire at an apartment located at 3540 Sunset Drive. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found the body of Wilson, who was burned and deceased, placed in a shopping cart in the bedroom. A subsequent autopsy revealed signs of…