Minton Pleads Guilty to 2017 Sunflower, MS Murder

Indianola, MS— District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today that Lazirric Minton, 27 yoa, pled guilty to his role in the March 27, 2017 murder of Annie Ruth Johnson in Sunflower, MS. Minton’s trial was set to begin Monday, June 20 in Sunflower County Circuit Court, however Lazirric Minton pled guilty and he will be sentenced at a later date.

On March 27, 2017, deputies and other law enforcement officers with various agencies responded to a call of Ms. Johnson being found unresponsive in her home. The case was originally investigated by the Sunflower Police Department and the Sunflower County Sheriff’s Department, but once the identity of the victim was determined, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations took over the investigation due to Ms. Johnson being related to the Sheriff of Sunflower County. Following a thorough and around the clock investigation by MBI agents, Lazirric Minton, Marquavis Minton and Terry Holston were all arrested and charged with Capital Murder for the death of Ms. Johnson.

Lazirric Minton chose to plead guilty to the lesser included offense of second-degree murder on Monday and he agreed in his signed plea petition to accept the District Attorney’s Office recommendation. Minton admitted his role in Annie Ruth Johnson’s death and for that he is asking the court to sentence him to the State’s recommendation of 40 years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as 35 of those years to be served in prison and 5 years to be served on post release supervision. Under Mississippi law, Minton will serve every day of his sentence without any opportunity for early release or parole. Minton’s sentencing hearing has been continued to a later date following the resolution of his co-defendant’s cases.

Marquavis Minton and Terry Holston remain charged with Capital Murder for their roles in Annie Ruth Johnson’s death. Their cases have been severed from one another and they will be tried separately. Terry Holston is scheduled to be tried during the week of July 5.

The case against Minton was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Takiyah H. Perkins and Stanley A. Alexander. Perkins expresses her appreciation for the hard work of the Sunflower Police Department, Sunflower County Sheriff’s Department, Indianola Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations.

The District Attorney’s Office appreciates the patience and understanding of the Johnson Family during the judicial process that was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as multiple legal factors and rights of the accused during the legal process. D.A, Richardson added that our hearts go out to the Johnson Family, Ms. Johnson deserved to live out her days without the fear of violence. We hope that now that Lazirric Minton has answered for his actions that they can begin to heal and feel a sense of closure and justice for Ms. Johnson.

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Minton Pleads Guilty to 2017 Sunflower, MS Murder

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resources

Attorney General

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Sex Offender Registry

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AG Victim Unit

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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.

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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.

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