LAFAYETTE SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN 2019 DEATH

Greenville, MS — In Washington County Circuit Court, Ellison Lafayette was sentenced by Judge Richard Smith to a total of twenty (20) years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections following an earlier guilty plea to the 2019 killing of a local Greenville man. Lafayette pled guilty on January 17, 2023. Evidence presented proved that Lafayette entered into Taylor’s home and following an argument struck the fifty-one (51) year old victim in the back of the head. Taylor sustained serious injuries and was transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he died.

Judge Richard Smith heard from both the victim’s and defendant’s families during a lengthy sentencing hearing. Lafayette took the stand on his own behalf and admitted to striking Taylor following a verbal argument with the significantly older and smaller victim. Lafayette categorized the strike as a “slap” and a “mistake”. However he admitted that he was the one that turned a verbal disagreement into a physical confrontation. The State told the Court that it had been prepared to show that the fatal blow was a punch to the back of the head while the victim was turned away and not looking and that it was no “mistake”. During testimony, Lafayette confessed to the Court that he was previously told to stay away from the location where the incident occurred.

Lafayette was sentenced to twenty (20) years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. He will have to serve the first fifteen (15) years of that sentence in custody. The remaining five (5) years will be served on Post Release Supervision with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

John Herzog Jr. prosecuted the case for the District Attorney’s Office. Herzog previously said “Lafayette finally took responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty to the charge of Manslaughter. His actions took a family member away from his loved ones on Thanksgiving, a day where families should be able to gather together in peace.” The District Attorney’s Office appreciates the hard work provided by the Greenville Police in investigating the case

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

Breaking News

21st

February

21st

Feb

TERRICK WRIGHT, JR. SENTENCED

Greenville, MS—Terrick Wright, Jr., of Greenville, was sentenced to Life on Tuesday, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. Wright, Jr. was convicted of Capital Murder in November following a three-day jury trial in Washington County. His indictment arose from facts […]... read more

7th

February

7th

Feb

RANDOLYN FAINT SENTENCED FOR DOUBLE HOMICIDE

Indianola, MS- Randolyn Faint, 35 yoa, of Indianola was convicted of two (2) counts of Second Degree Murder in Sunflower County Circuit Court following his guilty pleas on Monday, of this week before Judge Richard Smith. On Sunday, September 6, […]... read more

7th

February

7th

Feb

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

February

3rd

Feb

LAFAYETTE SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN 2019 DEATH

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

• City of Sunflower

• Sunflower County

• City of Itta Bena

• City of Greenwood

• Leflore County

Disclaimer of Liability

The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon as legal advice. With respect to any information found on this web site, neither the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District, nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and aptness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the inaccuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information conveyed. Nothing contained in the Web site is intended to constitute a promise, expressed or implied, by the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District to engage in any undertaking. The Washington County District Attorney's Office is not responsible for the contents of any off-site pages referenced. These links are provided as an information service only.

To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed in this website, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The materials on this Web site are copyrighted. Copying, reproduction, or distribution of any part of this Web site is prohibited without the prior written consent of the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District. However, downloading and printing of materials from this web site is allowed for the personal use of visitors to the web site. In fact, such use is encouraged.

Indemnification

User agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District web site, its contributors, any entity jointly created by them, their respective affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out of the use of the on-line service by user in reference to any claim however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence).