Guilty Plea

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….

Hinds County District Attorney’s Office to Host 5th Annual Law Enforcement Luncheon Honoring First Responders

Hinds County District Attorney’s Office to Host 5th Annual Law Enforcement Luncheon Honoring First Responders

Posted on Press Release

Hinds County District Attorney’s Office to Host 5th annual law enforcement luncheon honoring first responders May 15, 2026  EVENT DETAILS Date: Monday, May 18, 2026Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Location: Front Lawn of the Hinds County Courthouse 407 E. Pascagoula StreetJackson, MS 39201 This annual luncheon honors the law enforcement officers, deputies, investigators, first responders, and public safety professionals who serve and protect Hinds County. This event is designed to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of public safety professionals throughout Hinds County. “This luncheon is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who serve this community every day,” said…

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…