Greenwood, MS – Nequaisha Lawrence of Greenwood, was sentenced on Thursday, February 5th in connection with the murder of Joachima Ross, District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today.
On July 20, 2022, Joachima Ross was invited by Nequaisha Lawrence to her home at 108 East Percy Street in Greenwood. After an argument between the two ensued, Lawrence stabbed Ross once in the upper chest with a six-inch blade. Ross was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Lawrence was brought in for questioning and gave multiple statements admitting to stabbing Ross but claimed she did so in self-defense. Based on the evidence collected by detectives at Greenwood Police Department it was determined that Ms. Lawrence’s statement was not truthful, and she was charged with Murder.
The trial for Ross’ murder began on Wednesday of this week and after a day and a half of testimony Nequaisha Lawrence chose to plead guilty rather than continuing with the trial. Lawrence pled guilty to Second Degree Murder and was sentenced to twenty-five (25) years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with twenty (20) years to serve in custody, the remaining five (5) years on post-release supervision upon release.
This case was prosecuted by Patricia A. Hicks who commended Detective William Nevels and the rest of the Greenwood Police Department for their diligent work in helping bring justice for the loved ones of Mr. Joachima Ross.