Mississippi News
Frederick Bell: Parole Board pulls plug on release
Outcry prompts Parole Board to pull plug on releasing convicted killer
A Mississippi man serving life for murder will not be paroled, the Parole Board decided Wednesday, reversing a previous decision to free him after more than 30 years in prison.
Frederick Bell was convicted of capital murder for the May 1991 shooting of death 21-year-old Robert “Bert” Bell (no relation) during a store robbery in Grenada County.
Gene Bell, Bert's younger brother, told Mississippi Today that Frederick Bell won't be reconsidered for parole for two years. Frederick Bell had been set to be released at the end of September.
He had originally received a death sentence, but several court rulings in the past decade paved the way for him to be resentenced and become eligible for parole. Frederick Bell was resentenced to life without parole when the Mississippi Supreme Court found he was mentally disabled and then life with possibility of parole.
One reason Bell was denied parole is because of how his pending release was advertised to the public. Sen. Angela Burks Hill, R-Picayune, had questioned whether the Parole Board followed state law, which says notification must go in a newspaper published or circulated in the county where the crime was committed.
In a Monday interview with Supertalk Radio, Gene Bell said the notice of Frederick Bell's release was advertised in the Clarion Ledger rather than the local paper, the Grenada Star.
In July, the Parole Board sent a letter to Gene Bell about its decision to parole Frederick Bell because members found he had been rehabilitated.
In response to the board's actions, Bert Bell's family members, Grenada community members, state lawmakers and law enforcement groups around the state signed a petition and wrote letters to the Parole Board and Gov. Tate Reeves to ask that Frederick Bell's parole be denied.
Bell remains at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, according to prison records.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Retrial for Beth Ann White begins Monday
SUMMARY: In Hinds County, Mississippi, Beth Ann White is facing her second trial for a crash that killed a mother and her six-month-old son in November 2021. During the first trial, it was alleged that White had a blood alcohol content level more than three times the legal limit. The defense questioned the right of way during the crash, resulting in a mistrial due to the jury's inability to reach a consensus on a verdict. White was indicted on four counts of aggravated DUI and has pled not guilty. After the trial ended with a hung jury, the county re-indicted White for the charges.
The post Retrial for Beth Ann White begins Monday appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Mississippi lawmakers send education, PERS bills to governor
SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers settled contentious issues, sending a new public education funding formula to Governor Tate Reeves. The Mississippi Student Funding Formula would replace MAEP, bringing in $220 million more to public schools. The compromise was well-received by lawmakers and educators, providing a more understandable and predictable funding mechanism. Additionally, a deal was reached on the Public Employees' Retirement System, which mandates an increase in contributions but will not impact current benefits. House Speaker Jason White emphasized the importance of prioritizing education funding, PERS, and healthcare access in Mississippi, expressing hope for further compromises in the future.
The post Mississippi lawmakers send education, PERS bills to governor appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Hunter Hines leads MSU baseball to series win at Vanderbilt
SUMMARY: Mississippi State baseball defeated Vanderbilt 8-7 in game three to clinch the series. Despite Vanderbilt tying the game with six runs in the sixth inning and taking the lead in the seventh, Mississippi State rallied in the ninth with a two-run homer by Hunter Hines. Pitcher Tyson Hardin closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning. The win improved Mississippi State's SEC record to 12-9.
The post Hunter Hines leads MSU baseball to series win at Vanderbilt appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
Local News3 days ago
Sister of Mississippi man who died after police pulled him from car rejects lawsuit settlement
-
Mississippi Today3 days ago
At Lake High School in Scott County, the Un-Team will never be forgotten
-
Mississippi News2 days ago
One injured in Mississippi officer-involved shooting after chase
-
Mississippi Today14 hours ago
On this day in 1951
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Cicadas expected to takeover north Mississippi counties soon
-
Mississippi News5 days ago
Viewers make allegations against Hatley teacher, school district releases statement – Home – WCBI TV
-
Mississippi News Video4 days ago
Vehicle struck and killed man lying in the road, Alcorn County sheriff says
-
Mississippi Today7 days ago
On this day in 1892