Hernandez Richardson sentenced to 40 years for Hollandale Murder

Greenville, MS – In Washington County Circuit Court, Hernandez Richardson, 33 yoa, pled guilty to killing Benny Haynes in 2013, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. On September 3, 2013, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department along with the Hollandale Police Department responded to 102 Lilian Street where a family friend found Mr. Haynes dead. Benny Haynes died as a result of several stab wounds throughout his body. During the course of their investigation, Washington County Sheriff’s Department investigators found out that Hernandez Richardson was the last person scene leaving the home of Mr. Haynes. Upon questioning, Richardson admitted to killing Haynes, stating that he didn’t know why he did it. Hernandez Richardson was later charged with Capital Murder as he also stole Haynes’ vehicle to flee the crime scene.

This week in court Richardson pled guilty to Second Degree Murder and was sentenced to the District Attorney Office’s recommendation of 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Richardson will serve 35 years in prison without any opportunity for early release or parole.

Richardson added that, “I would like to thank the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for their hard work and dedication. Without them the family and friends of Benny Haynes may have never received justice.”

August 12, 2015
Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson
District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105

Breaking News

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RANDOLYN FAINT SENTENCED FOR DOUBLE HOMICIDE

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MARSHALL GIVEN 20 YEAR SENTENCE FOR DEADLY DUI

Indianola, MS- Christopher Marshall, 27 yoa, was convicted of three (3) counts of Aggravated DUI in Sunflower County Circuit Court following his guilty pleas on Monday, of this week. Around 8:45 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2018, first responders of […]... read more

3rd

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LAFAYETTE SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN 2019 DEATH

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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

• City of Greenville

• City of Hollandale
• City of Leland
• City of Metcalfe

• Washington County
• City of Indianola
• City of Ruleville
• City of Drew

• City of Moorhead

• City of Inverness

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• Sunflower County

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• Leflore County

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