DWAYNE DABNEY SENTENCED IN KILLING OF EARNESTIA “NE NE” HUNTER IN INDIANOLA, MS

Indianola, MS- At the Leflore County Courthouse on April 30, 2019, Judge Richard Smith sentenced Dwayne Dabney in the Sunflower County Circuit Court case that stemmed from the November 13, 2016 shooting death of 15 year-old Earnestia “Ne Ne” Hunter, District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today.

Earnestia Hunter was shot and killed outside her home on November 13, 2016; 6 days shy of her 16th birthday. State’s witnesses identified Dabney as the shooter who came to Ms. Hunter’s house to visit. Ms. Hunter was dropped off by Dabney at the Sunflower County Hospital after the shooting without providing any identifying information for the victim to medical personnel.

Officers with the Indianola Police Department learned through the course of their investigation that Dwayne Dabney was the individual that dropped Ms. Hunter off at the hospital and left to return to Belzoni, MS. Indianola Police Department officers made contact with Belzoni Police Department in order to make contact with Dabney to have him transported back to Indianola.

On March 6, 2019 Dwayne Dabney pled Guilty to Manslaughter for shooting 15 year old Hunter. Dabney declined to accept the State’s offer and chose to plead open requesting leniency and mercy from the Court. Dabney entered an Open plea of guilty to the lessor charge of Manslaughter.

On today, Judge Richard Smith held a sentencing hearing where witnesses addressed the Court regarding how this incident has affected them and this community. After a lengthy hearing, where friends and family of both Hunter and Dabney testified, Judge Richard Smith sentenced Dabney to 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections; Dabney will serve 15 years and will then be on probation for the remaining five years.

Dabney’s case was prosecuted by District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson and Assistant District Attorney Takiyah Perkins. The State of Mississippi expresses their appreciation for local law enforcement and continues to look forward to working with them to assist in making “our community safe.” During the hearing, District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson expressed how “it’s traumatic and sad that we are here because a 15-year old young lady, loss her life due to Dwayne Dabney bringing a gun to the scene. The loss of Ms. Hunter has impacted the entire community, and there’s nothing the State of Mississippi can do to bring Ms. Hunter back; the only thing we can do is ask this Court to render Justice.”

Our hearts go out to the family of Earnestia “Ne Ne” Hunter and we hope that Dabney’s conviction brings them some sense of justice and closure to this horrific ordeal.

Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105

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resources

Attorney General

www.ago.state.ms.us

MDOC

www.ms.gov

Federal Prisoners

www.bop.gov

Sex Offender Registry

state.sor.dps.ms.gov

AG Victim Unit

www.ago.state.ms.us

Our Mission

The mission of the District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Circuit Court, under the direction of
W. Dewayne Richardson, is to seek justice in order to maintain an environment of safety, security and lawful behavior for the citizens of the Fourth District.

The Office of the District Attorney uses lawful and reasonable methods to successfully identify and prosecute those who commit felony crimes. When a crime occurs, the Office of the District Attorney diligently pursues the indictment and conviction of those responsible, while adhering to all rights of the Victim, ensuring the victim is being provided all direct services applicable, and acknowledging all constitutional safeguards for the accused.

The District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth
District’s goal is to work with law enforcement and the judiciary to punish those who break our laws with adequate punishment. Every representative of the Office of the District Attorney pledges their commitment and full support to the protection of all citizens within the Fourth Circuit Court District.

Contact

Greenville Office
P.O. Box 426
Greenville MS 38702
[P] 662.378.2105
[F] 662.332.4665
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Indianola Office
P.O. Box 1046
Indianola, MS 38751
[P] 662.887.4306
[F] 662.887.6275
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Greenwood Office
P.O. Box 253
Greenwood, MS 38935
[P] 662.453.1089
[F] 662.451.7291
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Judicial Process

Citizen's Involvement in the criminal justice system typically begins with them being a victim, witness, or defendant of a crime. Arrests are made generally by a judge-issued warrant or by a police officer observing a crime in process. Law enforcement may also arrest someone if it has probable cause to believe the person committed a criminal offense. When individuals are arrested they are routinely advised of their Miranda Rights upon arrest, advising them that they have the right to remain silent and that anything they say will be used against them in court. On being questioned, defendants have the right to have their attorney present or to have one appointed if they are indigent.

Felony defendants appear at a first appearance and have the charges reviewed. A judge will inquire if the defendant has an attorney. If low income, the defendant may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. No plea is entered at this time unless the defendant wishes to plead guilty or waives indictment and has an attorney present. All felony cases are presented to a grand jury in the county that the crime was committed. In the State of Mississippi, only a grand jury has the authority to indict an individual for a felony offense and require them to stand trial for the charges alleged in an affidavit and indictment.

If an indictment is issued, the defendant is bound over to stand trial or enter a guilty plea to the crimes alleged. When a criminal trial occurs all 12 jurors must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentences are decided by Circuit Court Judges in all criminal matters. In most cases a recommendation is made regarding imprisonment, probation, fines and restitution.

Municipalities

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• City of Metcalfe

• Washington County
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• Leflore County

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