Flora Man Found Guilty of First Degree Murder

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Jakeviyon Hunter, 22, of Flora was found guilty of one count of first degree murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle after a three day jury trial in the Madison County Circuit Court. Circuit Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced him to life in prison for the murder charge and five years for shooting into a vehicle. 

On January 21, 2023, law enforcement officers with the Madison County Sheriff’s office were called to 623 St. Charles St. in Flora on reports of an individual being shot. Upon arrival, deputies found Jaquarius Ross deceased with multiple gun shots to the left side of his body. Officers were able to obtain surveillance footage from a neighboring home. The video showed Ross pull up at the residence, and almost immediately an individual approached his truck and fired approximately nine shots into the vehicle. The suspect then fled on foot. Officers could tell the suspect was wearing a tan colored hoodie. 

The passenger of the vehicle was unharmed and was able to tell officers that Hunter was the gunman. Investigators were then able to track Hunter down and obtain a search warrant for his cell phone. Phone records showed that Hunter had told Ross to come to his home under the guise of bringing him a pair of shoes. Investigators had found the shoes still in Ross’s lap when he was murdered. They were also able to use the location data stored on Hunter’s phone to put him on the scene. Finally, officers discovered a social media post that Hunter made hours before the shooting wherein he was wearing a tan hoodie matching the one seen on the original surveillance tape. It appears Hunter was motivated by a prior dispute between the two. 

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated, “This was such a senseless shooting, and because of it, Jaquarius Ross lost his life and Jakeviyon Hunter will spend the rest of his life behind bars. We hope the guilty verdict gives Mr. Ross’s family closure and our hearts go out to them for their loss. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation in this matter which led to the quick apprehension of Mr. Hunter. Finally, we thank all of those who showed up for jury duty. Madison and Rankin counties cannot remain among the best counties in this State without citizens who are willing to show up and do their civic duty.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Jakeviyon Hunter 

Date of Birth: 09/27/2001