DA Jody Owens

29th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast

29th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast

Posted on Community Outreach, Initiatives & Programs

January 24, 2026 On Saturday, January 24th, 2026, District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II and Judge Pearlie Brown Owens had the honor of hosting the 29th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast at Little Bethel CME Church, a powerful morning of prayer, purpose, and unity rooted in the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We were proud to welcome the newly elected Mayor of Terry, Mr. Bruce A. Hopkins, who lifted the room with a beautiful song and delivered a powerful message. Despite the temperature, more than 200 attendees braved the cold weather, which brought together clergy, community members, and elected…

Press Release- Maurice Forte

Press Release- Maurice Forte

Posted on Press Release

Triple murderer found guilty May 16, 2024 (Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announces the successful prosecution in the trial of 29-year-old Maurice Forte who was convicted on four counts of capital murder. On September 16, 2018, the Jackson Police Department responded to a shooting at a home on Marwood Dive. Upon arrival, officers observed a male sitting in the front yard with a pistol on his right side who identified himself as Maurice Forte. Officers proceeded into the residence and found the bodies of three unresponsive females lying in puddles of blood with multiple gunshot…

Press Release- Lonzell Williams and Lashundra Bass

Press Release- Lonzell Williams and Lashundra Bass

Posted on Press Release

State v. lonzell williams March 15, 2024 (Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announces the guilty verdict convicting Lonzell Williams of Aggravated Assault. Williams was convicted following a week-long trial, in the Circuit Court of Hinds County. On November 11, 2019, JPD officers responded to 1065 I-20 Frontage Road in reference to an assault. Upon arrival, officers discovered 24-year-old Brandi Breland with multiple injuries to her face and body. Breland informed the officers, that Williams who was her boyfriend at the time, struck her with a puddy knife and a metal pipe. Breland was pregnant by…

Press Release- Michael Greene

Press Release- Michael Greene

Posted on Press Release

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for planned drug transaction robbery February 9, 2024 (Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens II announces the guilty verdict in the trial of Michael Greene who was found guilty of Capital Murder and Felon in Possession of a firearm. On November 18, 2021, officers with the Jackson Police Department (JPD) responded to 2100 Raymond Road following the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Steven Woods who was killed by an apparent gunshot wound to the neck. The victim’s girlfriend, who witnessed the shooting, was on the…

DA Owens Holds Year-in-Review Press Conference

Posted on In the News

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, DA Jody Owens held an end of year press conference to discuss the office’s successes in 2022, and the anticipated challenges to come in 2023. Watch the press conference and follow the coverage below. Year in Review: Comparing the Numbers Grand Jury Action: 2,067 Counts Presented When the police or other law enforcement agency makes a felony arrest, the case is submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for presentation to the Hinds County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury is charged with either indicting the individual for the crime charged or returning a “no-bill.” An indictment…