MSU Alum
#HAILSTATE
. Award winning News Reporter for
@wlbt
; Kent State
#FlashPride
⚡️Humbled individual trying to turn my dreams into reality! Matthew 5:16
Mississippi will be represented VERY WELL in the Super Bowl!! Nine players are either from or played college ball in MS
@WLBT
Eagles:
Fletcher Cox
AJ Brown
Kenneth Gainwell
Darius Slay
Nakobe Dean
Quez Watkins
Chiefs:
Chris Jones
Willie Gay
Darius Harris
#Happening
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba not holding back after House Bill 1020 passes, calling the legislation racist and unconstitutional. The author, Rep. Trey Lamar says his intent for the bill is to create a safer Capital City. The bill passed by a vote of 76-37
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Former Rankin Co. Deputy Christian Dedmon has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. Dedmon receiving the stuffiest punishment so far. The judge said Dedmon committed the most brutal and egregious acts when beating two African-American men back in Jan. 2024
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Stephen A. Smith will be the guest picker for today’s College GameDay at Jackson State. Fans from Jackson State and Southern University say this is a proud moment not only for their schools, but also the SWAC and all HBCU’s
@WLBT
Dante Bender, who's accused of killing Officer Kennis Croom, has now been arrested. This is video from the Weir PD placing Officer Croom’s handcuffs on Bender, an honorary act done by police whenever this type of tragedy occurs. We’ll have the latest on the investigation on
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Three former Jackson Police Officers are indicted on murder charges in the death of Keith Murriel. Kenya McCarty and Avery Willis are charged with second degree murder. James Land is charged with manslaughter. They're accused of beating Murriel to death on NYE
@WLBT
Rep. Omeria Scott made a motion to have the act named after Kylin Hill. She called him courageous after he made a tweet saying he wouldn’t play football for Mississippi State unless the state changes its state flag
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
The Lexington Board of Aldermen have voted to terminate Police Chief Sam Dobbins effective immediately. City leaders say an audio recording was recently released, they say you can hear Dobbins making racist and outrageous comments. We’ll have the full story on
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Former Rankin Co. Deputy Hunter Elward has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. He and five other former Rankin Co. Law enforcement officers pleaded guilty to physically and sexually assaulting two African American men in January of 2023
@WLBT
#HappeningNow
An energetic crowd is already on hand this morning gearing up for ESPN’S College GameDay at Jackson State. Fans say they’re beyond excited to see their team and school in the national spotlight
@WLBT
Jackson Police have now made an arrest after a viral video shows cars doing donuts and blocking traffic on I-55 Friday night. The suspect is a teenager and their name has not been released. JPD says more arrests are expected. We'll have the full details coming up at 10
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Former Rankin Co. Deputy Brett McAlpin has been sentenced to a little more than 27 years in federal prison. McAlpin is described as the ring leader, he made the initial call to send the GoonSquad over to beat and torture two African American men in January of 2023
@WLBT
#BREAKING
The House of Representatives has passed a resolution suspending the rules which allows them to make a vote on whether to remove the state flag. A loud cheer erupted once decision was made
@WCBINEWS
Never too late to welcome new
@WLBT
teammates. This is Quentin Smith
@q_smith_
from Columbus, Ms last month. Heckuva reporter; what you’d expect from MSU Bulldog grads!
#talentedyoungman
#mmj
#HappeningNow
The Jackson Police Department is holding a prayer vigil! The city has seen 100 homicides so far this year, today police are praying for peace and unity to spread throughout the community in hopes of reducing the violence
@WLBT
#HappeningNow
The MS House of Representatives is now in session. A state represanitive tells me he believes the House will vote today to suspend the rules and make vote on the fate of the state flag
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
The MS House of Representatives just passed a bill to officially adopt a new flag. The bill states the new flag can not include the confederate emblem, and must have the motto “In God We Trust” It now goes over to the Senate for them to vote on the issue
@WCBINEWS
Quentin Smith is our
#AlumniSpotlight
for the week, and he has offered our students a six-step list on how to begin searching for positions in the job market! Check it out at the link below!
#MSUComm
#TipTuesday
#BREAKING
The Senate passes a resolution to also suspend the rules. With the House and Senate both passing the resolution, it paves the way for lawmakers to introduce a bill adopting a new state flag
@WCBINEWS
Kendrell Daniels is a man of few words, but what he puts down on canvas speaks volumes. The 19 year-old artist was born without arms, so he paints with his feet. We’ll have his inspirational story coming up at 6
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
Gov. Tate Reeves taking the podium speaking to his supporters following tonight’s victory. Reeves says he spoke to his challenger, Brandon Presley, who congratulated him on tonight’s win. Reeves now set to serve another four years as Governor
@WLBT
#CONT
Attorney Crump says Carter’s head was severed from his body, his spinal cord was missing from his head, and his other body parts are still missing. Family members say Carter was being threatened by people he knew
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Brett McAlpin has been sentenced to 20 years in state prison. He is described as one of the ring leaders of the Goon Squad and was ordering the former officers on what to do during brutal beating
@WLBT
#HAPPENINGNOW
Sheldon Tim Herrington Jr. is appearing before a judge today for his bond hearing. He’s charged with first degree murder in the death of Jimmie “Jay” Lee. Police say Lee was last seen July 8th. Lee’s body still hasn’t been found.
@WLBT
#HAPPENINGNOW
Attorneys Ben Crump and Carlos Moore are holding a press conference to discuss the autopsy results of Rasheem Carter. The 25-year old went missing in October, his remains are believed to have been found in a wooded area on November 2nd in Taylorsville
@WLBT
Thousands of fans pour into Dudy Noble Field to congratulate Mississippi State's Baseball team on winning the National Championship. It's a moment fans say they've waited for their entire lives. We'll have all the sights and sounds from today's celebration tonight at 10
@WLBT
Hundreds of people poured into Monroe County to bid farewell to Deputy Dylan Pickle. He was killed in the line of duty on Saturday after being hit by a car while manning a safety checkpoint. Hear how he's being remembered and the legacy he's leaving behind tonight on
@WCBINEWS
#HAPPENING
After being behind bars for more than 20 years, Curtis Flowers was released on a $250,000 bond today. Flowers was charged with the 1996 deaths of four people at a Winona furniture store. Judge Joseph Loper said he sees proof of reasonable doubt in the case
@WCBINEWS
#CONT
Baker still on stand. He says Two cadaver dogs hit on a dead body scent at Lafayette Place, Herrington’s apartment, as well as inside his SUV. Prosecutors also showed the Snapchat thread b/t Herrington and Lee. At 6:03 AM on July 8th, Lee messaged that he was coming over
Marian Turner graduated with a 4.5 GPA and was the valedictorian of her class at Columbus High School. She was accepted into 20 colleges, earned 22 scholarships, and racked up more than $400K in scholarship money. The young scholar will be attending Spelman in the fall
@WCBINEWS
With the recent string of violence, Pastor Abdural Lee of Starkville is now on a mission to bring about change. He's taking his ministry from the pulpit and into different neighborhoods plagued with violence. We'll hear from the pastor about his ministry tonight on
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
Christian Dedmon has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison. He sent the initial text messages to the other members of the Goon Squad, planning and detailing their attack against Jenkins and Parker
@WLBT
#BREAKING
The name "Caledonia Confederates" has officially been retired. The Lowndes County School Board voted to changed the school's nickname and mascot. The principal, student body, community members and alumni now have 60 days decide on a new name, and present it to the board
#BREAKING
After leading Jackson State University to two consecutive SWAC Championships, Deion Sanders has now accepted an offer to become the next head coach at Colorado University. Fans and coaches in the SWAC speak on the impact Sanders has had on Jackson and the SWAC
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Former Richland Police Officer Joshua Hartfield has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison. He helped get rid of the surveillance video at the home where the brutal beating happened
@WLBT
The state flag has flown over Mississippi for more than100 years, now the state is one step closer towards getting a new one. Lawmakers passed House Bill1796, it now awaits the governor's signature. Tonight on
@WCBINEWS
at 10 we'll hear from state leaders on today's historic vote
#CONT
Surveillance video shows a man wearing a hoodie jogging near the entrance of Molly Barr Trails. Baker says that man is Herrington, the suspect. Baker says this is around 7:25 AM on July 8th
@WLBT
The city of Starkville looks forward to MSU hosting regionals and super regionals, which are big revenue generators for local businesses. Now the NCAA is banning those games from being held in Mississippi. Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill says this will be a big blow for everyone
#Happening
Homes along Witherspoon Road in Yazoo County are damaged after a tornado passed through, causing trees to topple on top of them. One homeowner tells me just moved into his home on Saturday, now its gone. No injuries have been reported. We'll have more tonight on
@WLBT
#BREAKING
A judge just sentenced Beth Ann White to 110 years in prison. Earlier this month, White was found guilty of driving drunk and killing a mom and her six month old son, and seriously injuring two others. White’s attorney says he plans to appeal the convictions
@WLBT
Alice Marie Johnson is emotional and greeted by dozens of family members as they see her for the first time since she’s been free. Johnson says she’s thankful for this second chance and is ready to get back home and spend time with her family
@WCBINEWS
#CONT
prosecutors are showing a clip of the interview police did with Herrington. In the interview he stated his relationship with Jay Lee was sexual. He says Lee blocked one of his accounts on Snapchat, which was their way of communicating. He then created multiple accounts
Some state lawmakers are considering a proposal to have two official state flags. State Rep. Kabir Karriem is against that proposal. He wants the state to adopt one flag that unifies the state as a whole. He hopes they'll be able to make a vote on this issue by Friday
@WCBINEWS
#HAPPENING
Governor Tate Reeves announcing a $1.9 billion economic development project is coming to Marshall County. It will create 2,000 jobs with an average annual salary of approximately $66,000. Reeves is now calling for a special session to finalize the deal
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Hunter Elward has been sentenced to 45 years in state prison. He admitted to shooting one of the victims, Michael Jenkins, in the mouth during the nearly two hours long beating. He also tried to cover up the crime by filing a false police report
@WLBT
#CONT
Jay Lee’s mom, Stephanie Lee, is the first witness to take the stand. She was emotional while on the stand expressing that “I’m certain he’s no longer here with me.” Her birthday was July 8th. That’s the same day her son went missing.
@WLBT
#BREAKING
In a 3-3 vote, the Jackson City Council votes down an emergency one year garbage contract with Richard’s Disposal. The council has voted the company down multiple times now. As a result, the Capital City remains without garbage pickup for the foreseeable future
@WLBT
#HAPPENING
This is the scene outside the Lafayette County Circuit Courthouse. People have come to peacefully protest in honor of Jimmie “Jay” Lee. The Ole Miss student was last seen on July 8th. Sheldon Tim Herrington Jr. has been charged in connection with Lee’s death
@WLBT
#CONT
Prosecutors are now showing photos and videos from surveillance cameras showing who they say is Jay Lee driving his vehicle into Molly Barr Trails Apts around 7:25 AM on July 8th. Baker says Lee’s vehicle is never seen exiting until Monday July 11th when it was towed
CONT: Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill sits in and listens to a fine tune being played on the piano. Spruill says the piano was donated this morning and placed outside of the 929 Coffee Shop. All throughout the day anyone can come sit down and play a tune of their choice.
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
Daniel Opdyke has been sentenced to 20 years in state prison. He's the whistleblower in this case, and came forward reveling what happened months after the attack happened, despite receiving death threats for doing so
@WLBT
#CONT
The owner of the store was also involved in the shooting. The Chief says it appears the victim pulled out her gun first, then the owner shot the victim in self defense. The owner is now being interviewed by investigators who will then decide if he needs to be charged
@WLBT
#CONT
Sheriff Tyree Jones says three of the victims are in stable condition, still no word on the fourth. Jones says there were at two to three shooters. At this time there's no motive for the shooting. Jones calls this incident senseless and devastating.
@WLBT
#CONT
Detective Ryan Baker with the Oxford Police Dept. is now on the stand. He says surveillance video shows Jay Lee coming down the stairs at Campus Walk Apts around 5:58 AM on July 8th. He says Lee was going to meet Herrington, the suspect
@WLBT
Earlier this week, the NCAA passed a vote to allow athletes to benefit from the use of their name, likeness, and image. Coming up on
@WCBINEWS
I speak with former MSU and NFL DB
@JBanks_27
and Starkville HS Football Coach Chris Jones to get their thoughts on this new ruling
#CONT
while on stand, Baker says investigators were able to get a hold of some of the google searches from Herrington’s MacBook. Baker says at 5:56 AM, minutes before Jay Lee arrives at his apt, Herrington googled “How long does it take to strangle someone.”
The Starkville Fire Department added a new addition to its staff, her name is Bethany Allen. She's the first female firefighter the dept has had in over two decades. Coming up tonight on
@WCBINEWS
I speak with her about living out her life long dream
#CONT
Herrington’s defense attorney, Kevin Horan, who’s also a state representative, is pushing back against the things the state presented. Horan asked Baker could he present any evidence against Herrington. Baker said he can’t today, but he’s sure he’ll be able to in the future
#HAPPENINGNOW
State Farm is honoring and showing its appreciation to Columbus firemen by giving each member of the dept. home security systems. It’s their way to give back to those who protect the community each and everyday
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
A jury finds Anthony Fox guilty of manslaughter by culpable negligence. The former Jackson Police Officer and current Clinton Police Officer has been convicted of beating George Robinson to death in 2019
@WLBT
Oseola McCarty spent 75 years working as a washerwoman only to give more than of her earnings away right before she died. She donated 150k to Southern Miss. Tonight we look at how her generous gift continues to make a huge difference by helping students get through college
@WLBT
A loud cheer erupted in the Senate from legislators and spectators after House Bill 1796 passed by a 37-14 vote. Lawmakers say the state took a giant step in the right direction after today’s vote
@WCBINEWS
#HAPPENINGNOW
The Jackson Police Department is gathering for a balloon release in honor of Corporal Michael Tarrio. The veteran officer died last Thursday in a motorcycle accident. He’s described as a young and energetic officer who gave a lot to his community
@WLBT
#HAPPENINGNOW
more than Dozen
workers at General Motors in Brandon walked out of work today, joining the thousands of other United Auto Workers across the U.S. who are going on strike against General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis
@WLBT
#BREAKING
A jury finds T'Kia Bevily not guilty of capital murder. The Claiborne County Woman was accused of killing her 14-month-old stepdaughter, Jurayah Smith. Bevily is now absolved of her charge. We'll have live updates coming up on
@WLBT
#CONT
Brewer says he hopes the series will shine a light on the flaws in the justice system and prevent other innocent people from going through what he went through. We'll have the story tonight at 10
#TheInnocenceFiles
@WCBINEWS
It's a special place in African American communities: barber shops and beauty salons. People usually leave feeling good, both inside and out. In honor of Black History Month, we take a look at the role these businesses play in the African American community
@WCBINEWS
#CONT
Tina Herrington, Tim’s mom, is now on the witness stand. She said her son is a “dependable and trustworthy man,” She asks the judge to keep her son’s character in mind, stating that she believes Herrington deserves to be given a bond
@WLBT
#BREAKING
Jackson State Police holding a presser announcing that 19-year-old Joshua Brown has been arrested and charged with the murder of 21-year-old Jaylen Burns, who was shot and killed Sunday night at University Pointe Apartments
@WLBT
The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors have unanimously agreed to remove the confederate monument that sits outside the courthouse. The monument first went up in 1912, it'll now be relocated to Friendship Cemetery. We'll have more on this developing story coming up on
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
Former Rankin Co. Deputy Jeffrey Middleton has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison. Middleton and five other former Rankin Co. Law enforcement officers tortured and beat two African American men in January of 2023, then tried to cover up the crime
@WLBT
Despite the entire building being destroyed, a local church in Columbus is continuing to count its blessings. First Pentecostal Church had service outside in the parking lot and baptized 9 people just hours after the tornado hit the building on Saturday
@WCBINEWS
Being given a second chance can mean everything, just ask these four men. These men graduated from drug court in Columbus. After being addicted to drugs, they made a vow to stay clean and take advantage of this second chance
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
Former Rankin Co. Deputy Daniel Opdyke has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison. Opdyke is the third member of the Goon Squad to be sentenced for physically and sexually assaulting two African American men in Jan. 2023, then trying to cover up the crime
@WLBT
#BREAKING
A grand jury has indicted Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr., for the murder of missing Ole Miss student Jimmy "Jay" Lee. July 8th was the last time Lee was seen. Investigators are still working to recover Lee's body. A trial date for Herrington hasn't been set yet
@wlbt
#HAPPENINGNOW
Webster County Sheriff Tim Mitchell makes his first court appearance after being arrested on Wednesday. Mitchell is facing 12 felony charges including attempting a sexual act with an inmate, to giving weapons to a prisoner.
@WCBINEWS
#BREAKING
this is the scene at Kingston Place in Canton. So far, no official word from police on what happened. Investigators are focusing their attention on this blue charger that has 10 bullet holes on the driver’s side. I’m still on scene working to gather more details
@WLBT
Meet Howard Miskelly. He’s a WWII Veteran and spent three years in the U. S. Army. To thank Staff Sergeant MisKelly for his services, President Donald Trump wrote him a letter and mailed him a military jacket as a token of his appreciation. We’ll have the story coming up at 10
After today's Lowndes Co. Board of Supervisors meeting, dozens of protesters gathered outside the courthouse calling for Harry Sanders to resign. He made racist remarks two weeks ago, now many believe his presence on the board is continuing to plague the community.
@WCBINEWS
25 year old Chris Reed of Columbus went missing Monday. Today he was found safe and unharmed. Coming up on
@WCBINEWS
at 10 we'll hear from his family members who say they're happy and relieved that he's back home
#BREAKING
Starkville Police Chief Frank Nichols announces he’ll be retiring in December. Nichols has been with the department since 1992. Those at tonight’s meeting gave the Chief a standing ovation for his service and work in the Starkville community
@WCBINEWS
#HappeningNow
This is the view in Yazoo City. The snow is continuing to fall this morning turning the town into a Winter Wonderland ❄️☃️
@WLBT
@Fox40News