Crime

Press Release – Jordan Thurmond

Press Release – Jordan Thurmond

Posted on Press Release

Defendant Faces Up to 40 years in prison for murder of missing man June 17, 2026 (Jackson, MS) – ) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced that 26-year-old Jordan Thurmond was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the shooting death of 29-year-old Dan Belton. The case began on September 19, 2023, when a woman arrived at the Jackson Police Department to report her boyfriend, Dan Belton, missing. She told investigators that Belton had not been seen since September 16, 2023, and that the last time she saw him, he left with Justin Thurmond, Jordan Thurmond’s uncle. While…

Press Release – Ron Allen

Press Release – Ron Allen

Posted on Press Release

estranged husband sentenced to life in fatal jackson leasing office shooting May 27, 2026 (Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced that 54-year-old Ron Allen pleaded guilty to Murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife, 25-year-old Maleah Bess. On July 31, 2025, officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to Westwood Apartments in reference to a shooting inside the leasing office. Upon arrival, officers encountered witnesses who stated that a black male had entered the leasing office moments before gunshots were heard coming from inside the office, where Bess worked as the property manager….

Top Cop Luncheon 2026

Top Cop Luncheon 2026

Posted on Community Outreach, Initiatives & Programs

May 14, 2026 On Thursday, May 14, 2026, law enforcement leaders from across Central Mississippi gathered in Jackson for the annual Top Cops Luncheon, a longstanding event where agencies come together to recognize officers, deputies, and agents who have demonstrated exceptional service throughout the year.  The Hinds County District Attorney’s Office is proud to honor Investigator Caroline Santiago and Investigator Perry Tate as 2026 “Top Cop” award recipients.  Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt in every courtroom, every case, and every family seeking justice. From long hours and difficult investigations to supporting victims and…

Press Release- Treylin Sojourner

Press Release- Treylin Sojourner

Posted on Press Release

Second-Degree Murder Plea Entered in Fatal South Jackson Shooting of Marine Veteran May 12, 2026 (Jackson, MS) – Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that 32-year-old Treylin Sojourner entered a guilty plea to Second-Degree Murder in connection with the shooting death of 55-year-old Marvin Houck, Jr. The plea was entered following jury selection in Hinds County Circuit Court. On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to Pine Tree Drive and Pine Ridge Drive regarding a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Marvin Houck, Jr. lying in the roadway with a fatal gunshot…

Press Release- Marquiz Mclaurin

Press Release- Marquiz Mclaurin

Posted on Press Release

Hinds County Jury Returns Guilty Verdict in Murder of Legally Blind Woman May 8, 2026 (Jackson, MS) – (Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that a jury has found 28-year-old Marquiz McLaurin guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the death of 24-year-old Bridget Harkins. On February 21, 2020, officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to a residence at 1630 Morson Road in reference to a deceased individual. Upon arrival, officers found Bridget Harkins lying on the living room floor with visible injuries to her body. Investigators learned that Harkins, who was legally blind and…