Greenville, MS – In Washington County Circuit Court, Earnest Stuckey, 69 yoa, was found guilty after two days of testimony for the shooting death of Arthur Triplett, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. Stuckey had been indicted by a Washington County grand jury for the charges of First Degree Murder and Firearm Enhancement that stemmed from the January 24, 2015 shooting.
After an hour and a half of deliberations, a Washington County jury announced their verdict in open court at 3:35 yesterday. Following two days of testimony, Earnest Stuckey was convicted for shooting and killing Earnest Stuckey on Arnold Avenue. Mr. Stuckey was dating Mr. Triplett’s sister and witnesses testified that earlier during the day of January 24, 2015 the victim, along with other family members were having a good time. However, after everyone left and only Mr. Triplett and Mr. Stuckey were left at the home, they got into a verbal argument which led to Mr. Stuckey shooting and killing Mr. Triplett.
Stuckey was arrested that day by the Greenville Police Department and charged with First Degree Murder. Stuckey was convicted of the lesser included offense which is Second Degree Murder with an enhancement for possessing a firearm during the commission of the Murder. The penalty in the State of Mississippi for Second Degree Murder is Life if given by the jury, or minimum of 20 years to maximum of 40 years and Stuckey faces an additional 5 year sentence for the Firearm Enhancement. Stuckey was sentenced by Senior Circuit Judge Ashley Hines to the maximum sentence for this crime.
Richardson added that, “the District Attorney’s office hopes that the family and friends of Arthur Triplett receive some relief and begin the process of healing knowing that the Stuckey has had to answer for his criminal acts and justice was sought and rendered. I would like to thank the Greenville Police Department for their tireless efforts in solving this case.” This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kaylon McCou and Takiyah Perkins.
Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson
District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105