Second Killer Convicted in Northland Village Slaying

Greenville, MS—Clifton Dean of Greenville was convicted by a Washington County Jury following a two-day trial, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today.

In the midnight hour of March 30, 2012, officers of the Greenville Police Department responded to the Northland Village Apartment Complex in reference to shots being fired and a possible wounded person on scene. Upon arrival, bystanders immediately pointed the responding officers to the area where shots were heard and where Frederick Williams lie, clinging to life. A sergeant on scene recounted to the jury the final moments of Williams’ life. In those moments, the sergeant attempted to detect a pulse when Williams shifted his eyes toward the officer, his lips moving, but no words being spoken. Investigators arrived and attempted to locate witnesses to no avail.

During Dean’s scheduled trial earlier this week, the lead investigator detailed to the jury how the case went cold for over a year before the detectives got a break leading to the arrests of Clifton Dean and Keon Mister for the slaying. Dean confessed to the killing in writing but, before investigators could obtain the statement form, scratched through his words, tore the document up, and threw it in the trash. The lead investigator witnessed Dean tossing the paper and later retrieved it. The paper was sent to a specialist in the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory who was able to remove the obliterations and reveal Dean’s confession written underneath. Still, Dean denied authoring the confession all the way up until the moment he was convicted by a jury of his peers.

Assistant District Attorneys Kaylon McCou and John Herzog, Jr. are pleased to have fought for justice on behalf of Williams’ family and loved ones and the citizens of Washington County. “These investigators worked this case for over a year day in and day out as diligently as they did on the day the original call came in and the justice that resulted is a testament to their resolve and determination,” ADA McCou added.

The jury convicted Dean of Manslaughter with a Firearm Enhancement for the March 30, 2012 shooting of Frederick Williams. The jury announced the verdict in open court at 4:37 p.m. on Wednesday after nearly five hours of deliberation. Dean’s accomplice, Keon Mister, pled guilty to Manslaughter in January of 2015. Senior Circuit Judge Ashley Hines is scheduled to sentence Dean in August.

The Office of the District Attorney extends its gratitude to the Criminal Investigation Division of the Greenville Police Department for its diligent pursuit of justice, the Specialists at the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory, and all who had a hand in bringing this killer to justice.

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

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Federal Prisoners

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Sex Offender Registry

state.sor.dps.ms.gov

AG Victim Unit

www.ago.state.ms.us

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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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