REGENCY INN MURDERER BROUGHT TO JUSTICE

Greenwood, MS – District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today that Sean Massey, 46 yoa, of Greenwood was convicted of Second Degree Murder in Leflore County following his guilty plea in front of Circuit Judge Carol White-Richard on January 9, 2023.

On May 27, 2021, patrol officers with the Greenwood Police Department responded to the Regency Inn in Greenwood in reference to a 9-1-1 call regarding an injured person and a man walking around the hotel with an ax. Upon arrival, officers found the body of Kassicy Garrett in one of the hotel rooms. After discovering the body, detectives were called to the scene and immediately began collecting evidence including extensive hotel video surveillance. A man, later identified as Sean Massey, Ms. Garrett’s boyfriend, was seen to be the last person entering and leaving Ms. Garrett’s room before hotel staff found her body and called police.

Massey was later indicted by the Leflore County Grand Jury for First Degree Murder and chose to plead guilty to the lesser-included offense of Second Degree Murder. 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. Judge White-Richard sentenced Massey to 30 years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections with 25 of those years to be served in prison and 5 of those years to be served on post-release supervision. Under Mississippi law, Massey will serve every day of his sentence without any opportunity for early release or parole.

The case against Massey was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda Sturniolo Langford who expressed her appreciation for the lead detective on the case, Lieutenant Serafin Simon, Jr. who spent countless hours reviewing the video surveillance and investigating the case to ensure that another violent criminal is removed from the streets of Greenwood and Leflore County. “Nothing we can do or say can bring Kassicy back to her family, but I hope that this sentence brings them some measure of comfort that her murderer will be in prison for a very long time. The District Attorney’s Office is committed to fighting for the victims of all crimes especially those like Kassicy Garrett who was the victim of such a senseless, violent crime.”

The Office of the District Attorney extends its gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Greenwood Police Department. “Although this conviction can’t undo the hurt and pain caused by the loss of Ms. Garrett, we do hope that it provides some sense of peace, closure, and healing to her family, friends, and those who truly loved her,” said District Attorney Richardson.

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

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BERDELL WILLIS, III SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS

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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

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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.

Municipalities

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