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Ezra Parker sentenced to 35 years for 2nd Degree Murder

Greenville, MS – In Washington County Circuit Court, Ezra Parker, 22 yoa, pled guilty to killing Arthur Lee Edwards in 2012, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today.  On April 14, 2012, officers with the Greenville Police Department responded to 1317 South Delesseps where Arthur Lee Edwards was found deceased.  Arthur Lee Edwards died as a result of a stab wound and also having his throat cut.  The Greenville Police Department finally got a lead on this case in January 2014 and it was then that Ezra Parker was arrested and charged with Capital Murder.  This week in court Ezra Parker pled guilty to his actions and admitted to killing and attempting to rob Arthur Lee Edwards.  He was sentenced to the District Attorney Office’s recommendation of 35 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Parker will serve 30 years in prison without any opportunity for early release or parole. Since killing Edwards in 2012, Parker had been involved in other violent crimes here in Washington County.  Ezra Parker also pled guilty in court this week to breaking into a home on South Washington Avenue on December 4, 2013.  Parker admitted his guilt in this crime and he was sentenced to serve the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.  It was through the Greenville Police Department’s investigation in this burglary that they were able to obtain all the details of what happened in Arthur Lee Edward’s death.

Richardson added that, “I would like to thank the Greenville Police Department for their tireless efforts in solving these cases.  Without them the family and friends of Arthur Lee Edwards may have never received justice.”  This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Takiyah Perkins.

August 12, 2015
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
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P.O. Box 426
Greenville MS 38702
[P] 662.378.2105
[F] 662.332.4665
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

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Indianola, MS 38751
[P] 662.887.4306
[F] 662.887.6275
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Greenwood, MS 38935
[P] 662.453.1089
[F] 662.451.7291
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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.

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