Greenwood, MS – Roy Williams, Jr., 39 yoa, of Greenwood was convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Leflore County Circuit Court following his guilty plea on Monday of this week, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today.
On Thursday July 31, 2019, deputies of the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene of a shooting at the intersection of Coleman and Perry Streets in Leflore County. Deputies found a bullet riddled vehicle and the body of Vanessa Miller (32) who was a passenger in the vehicle. Miller died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
Witnesses informed investigators that Miller and a female friend were on their way to celebrate Miller’s birthday when their vehicle was rammed by Roy Williams, Jr., who was a former boyfriend of Miller of just four years. After ramming their vehicle, Williams exited his vehicle and began shooting into the vehicle at Miller who was the passenger in the vehicle. Prior to being shot, Miller urged the driver to exit the vehicle to save herself.
Williams was sentenced to serve thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the crime of Second-Degree Murder. Since Williams had been convicted of two prior non-violent felonies, he must serve each day of the sentence and is not eligible for early release or parole.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stanley Alexander who expresses his heartfelt sympathy for the two children left behind by Miller, “I pray that the resolution of this case will aid in their recovery from their tragic loss.”
DA Richardson added that the tragic loss of Ms. Miller was the result of another deadly domestic violence incident. These crimes are senseless and will not be tolerated. We at the District Attorney’s Office appreciate the diligent and timely response of the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department in capturing Williams and investigating this homicide to make sure that justice was served for Ms. Vanessa Miller and her family.
Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105