Mississippi News
Ashley Henley: Man indicted in killing
Man indicted in killing of former lawmaker Ashley Henley
A man has been indicted for the murder of former DeSoto County lawmaker Ashley Henley a year after she was shot and killed.
Billy Lamar Brooks was indicted by a grand jury on June 30, according to court records. The indictment accuses him of killing Henley on or about June 14, 2021, which authorities said is the day after her body was found.
He appeared in court July 7 and had his bond set at $250,000, according to court records.
Henley, a Republican who represented House District 40, was shot and killed in Yalobusha County while mowing grass outside of the burned-out mobile home where her sister-in-law, Kristina Michelle Jones, was found dead in December 2020.
Authorities said in 2021 the gunshot that killed Henley was “non-accidental.”
The Yalobusha Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, District 17 District Attorney’s office and other agencies investigated the case as a homicide.
Brooks, who lived across the road from Jones, was arrested and charged with arson in June 2021 for burning the trailer where Jones’ body was found. At the time, he was not charged with the death of Jones.
He was indicted in February on a charge of maliciously setting fire to the home of Jones and Terry Henley, according to court records.
Prior to her death, Henley had expressed frustration on social media about the investigation of her sister-in-law’s death.
Henely represented District 40 from 2016 to 2020. She ran for a second term in November 2019 but lost by 14 votes. Henley challenged the election results and requested a new election, but that request was denied.
Before becoming a legislator, she was a teacher. Henley is survived by her husband and a son.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know
SUMMARY: A massive search is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer and fatally shot Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded nearby. Authorities called the act a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor, fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police. His vehicle contained AK-style firearms and “No Kings” flyers. The investigation noted his writings targeted abortion rights advocates. The attacks highlight growing political violence and prompted heightened security for lawmakers nationwide.
The post Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals
SUMMARY: Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, targeting key facilities including Natanz and Isfahan, killing top generals and scientists to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The conflict escalated fears of a broader war in the region. Israel said the operation was months in planning and aimed to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. The U.S. was informed but not involved in the strike and cautioned against targeting American interests. International calls urged de-escalation amid rising tensions.
The post Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15
SUMMARY: This weekend (June 13-15) in Mississippi offers numerous events across regions. In Central Mississippi, enjoy free tours at the Eudora Welty House, World Snake Day in Jackson, and the Juneteenth Homecoming Weekend at Tougaloo College. Activities include concerts, art exhibits, farmers markets, family fun runs, and outdoor movies. Natchez hosts garden tours, fishing events, and farmers markets. Meanwhile, in the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg features family splash nights, Juneteenth festivals, a golf tournament, live performances, and unique museum exhibits. Laurel offers karaoke night, while community runs, interactive concerts, and theatrical performances round out a lively weekend across the state.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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