Greenville, MS – In Washington County Circuit Court, Joseph Whitehead, 41 yoa, pled guilty to the shooting death of Anthony Paul Williams, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today.
Whitehead had been indicted by a Washington County grand jury for the charges of First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon that stemmed from the April 26, 2014 shooting. Whitehead’s trial was scheduled to begin this afternoon but he opted to plead guilty to his actions this morning before his trial began.
This case stemmed from the shooting that occurred outside of Bernice’s Store on Harvey Street here in Greenville, MS. When members of the Greenville Police Department responded to the scene they found Mr. Williams suffering from one gunshot wound to the chest as well as several face and skull injuries. Shortly after being transported to DRMC, Anthony Paul Williams was pronounced dead. Because of the excellent work of the Greenville Police Department, Whitehead was arrested and charged with Mr. William’s death. Several witnesses identified Joseph Whitehead as the man who shot Anthony Paul Williams after a brief verbal altercation.
Joseph Whitehead pled guilty to Second Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Judge White-Richard sentenced Whitehead to the state’s recommendation of 35 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Whitehead will serve 25 of those years in prison without any opportunity for early release or parole.
Richardson added that, “the District Attorney’s office feels that justice has been served by Joseph Whitehead being brought to justice to answer for his heinous actions. I would like to thank the Greenville Police Department for their tireless efforts in solving this case. Joseph Whitehead will be the property of the Mississippi Department of Corrections before the end of the week.”
Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson
District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105