District Attorney

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 – Charity Barnes

Press Release – Charity Barnes

Posted on Press Release

Road rage killing at jackson intersection results in life sentence June 5, 2026 (Jackson, MS) – Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that 47-year-old Charity Barnes has been found guilty of First-Degree Murder in the shooting death of 39-year-old Melissa Turner. On August 20, 2021, officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to a shooting at the intersection of West Street and Woodrow Wilson Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Melissa Turner suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Investigators learned that…

Press Release – Genesis Moore

Press Release – Genesis Moore

Posted on Press Release

35-Year Sentence Imposed in fatal jackson gas station shooting caught on video May 27, 2026  (Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced that 25-year-old Genesis Moore pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder in the shooting death of 45-year-old Christopher Phillips. On August 20, 2023, officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to the Fuel Express Gas Station in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Christopher Phillips unresponsive inside a silver 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Phillips was pronounced dead on the scene. Surveillance footage from the gas station showed Phillips sitting inside his vehicle when a white…

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…