Eddie Lee Brown, Jr. pleads Guilty to Killing Greenwood Fireman

Greenwood, MS – Detroit native Eddie Lee Brown, Jr. pled guilty to second degree murder of twenty-three (23) year old Tyree Jernigan a firefighter with the Greenwood Fire Department as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Brown had at least one prior conviction from Michigan. He was indicted by the April 2017 grand jury for first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Officers with the Greenwood Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at a house on Percy Street in Greenwood, Mississippi. After apprehending the shooter, Brown, at Greenwood Leflore Hospital, officers processed the scene and discovered the shotgun that Brown used to shoot Tyree Jernigan. After two days of trial with testimony from two of the responding police officers, three experts from the Mississippi Crime Lab, and six witnesses who identified Brown as the person who opened fire on Percy Street killing Tyree Jernigan, Brown chose to plead guilty to the lesser included charge of second degree murder as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Based on the evidence that he had previously heard as well as testimony during the sentencing hearing from Brown, his mother, Tyree Jernigan’s widow, Tierney, and Tyree Jernigan’s father, Sam, Leflore County Senior Circuit Judge Ashley Hines sentenced Eddie Lee Brown, Jr. to twenty-five (25) years to be served as twenty (20) years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections and five (5) years on post release supervision. Brown was also sentenced to ten (10) years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon to run concurrently to the second degree murder sentence.

Under Mississippi law, second degree murder carries a minimum sentence of twenty (20) years and a maximum of forty (40) years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. In addition, the Mississippi statute for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a minimum sentence of one (1) year and a maximum of ten (10) years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

When he had a chance to speak at the sentencing hearing, the victim’s father, Sam Jernigan, thanked the State and the Court for helping to give him and his family closure so that they can begin healing. He also said that “this process had restored his faith in the justice system.”

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

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MARSHALL GIVEN 20 YEAR SENTENCE FOR DEADLY DUI

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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.

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

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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.

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