Mississippi News
Mississippi to perform first execution since 2012 on Wednesday evening
Mississippi to perform first execution since 2012 on Wednesday evening
A man who killed his estranged wife and held their family hostage is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Wednesday evening, set to become the first person executed in Mississippi since 2012.
David Neal Cox was sentenced to death in 2012 after pleading guilty to all eight charges against him, including one count of capital murder, two counts of kidnapping, one count of burglary, one of firing into a dwelling, and three counts of sexual battery.
In 2010, Cox broke into the home of his sister-in-law, shot his estranged wife twice, and barricaded himself, his wife, his son and his stepdaughter in the home for 10 hours. The wife died due to lack of medical treatment, and the stepdaughter was sexually assaulted multiple times during the 10-hour period.
Cox’s attorneys filed a petition for post-conviction relief (the lessening of a sentence) in 2016 citing multiple issues with the trial, but Cox subsequently submitted multiple motions asking to have his court-counsel dismissed, all appeals terminated, and his execution scheduled. Cox has submitted multiple letters to the court stating his guilt and his belief that he should be executed.
“I am worthy of death & I do not wish to challenge the state of Mississippi any further,” Cox wrote in a November 2018 motion.
A hearing occurred in February 2021 to determine Cox’s mental competence, which found that he was capable of understanding the gravity of the situation and that his motions could be honored. His court-appointed attorneys submitted appeals to this ruling, which resulted in the Supreme Court decision that was issued on Oct. 21.
A spokesperson for Gov. Tate Reeves issued a statement on Tuesday, saying he has no plans of stopping the execution.
“The Governor has reviewed the facts of this case and there is no question that David Cox committed these horrific crimes,” the statement said. “Mr. Cox has admitted his guilt on multiple occasions and has been found competent by both the Circuit Court and Mississippi Supreme Court. Further, Mr. Cox himself filed a motion requesting that all appeals be dismissed and his execution date be set. In light of this, the Governor has no intention at this time of granting clemency or delaying this execution.”
As first reported by The Associated Press, the Mississippi Department of Corrections revealed in court papers earlier this year that it had acquired three drugs for lethal injections: midazolam, which is a sedative; vecuronium bromide, which paralyzes the muscles; and potassium chloride, which stops the heart.
Mississippi is among several states that have had trouble finding drugs for lethal injections in recent years since pharmaceutical companies in the United States and Europe began banning the use of their drugs for executions.
Mississippi does not have any other executions scheduled after Cox’s, though more than 30 people are sitting on death row in the state.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3
SUMMARY: This weekend (August 1-3) in Mississippi offers diverse activities across the state. In Central Mississippi, enjoy Latin music and salsa at Fondren Fiesta in Jackson, family fun at 042 Nights in Brandon, food trucks in Byram, art exhibitions in Natchez and Jackson, and farmers markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Special events include hurricane remembrance, back-to-school drives, and community wellness fairs. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg hosts Denim & Diamonds Casino Night, live music, themed balls, 5K fundraisers, and movie screenings. Laurel offers karaoke, art workshops, and a family farmers market. Activities cater to all ages, promoting culture, health, and community engagement.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27
SUMMARY: Mississippi is packed with events this weekend (July 25–27), including the JXN Film Festival, interactive exhibits, and art showcases in Jackson. Clinton screens *Train to Busan*, and Vicksburg features live events, a catfish tournament, and farmers markets. Natchez hosts its Food & Wine Festival and community celebrations, while Ridgeland offers art parks and dinner theater. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg offers comedy, musical theater, a Jane Austen tea, and a murder mystery dinner at Ross Mansion. Toy, gun, and farmers markets span multiple cities, while special events like the Little Miss Black Mississippi Pageant round out a diverse, festive weekend.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students
SUMMARY: Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for the brutal 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to avoid the death penalty. During sentencing, families shared emotional testimonies of loss and anguish. Kohberger, a criminology graduate student, broke into the victims’ home and killed them without known motive, remaining silent at the hearing. Police used DNA and genetic genealogy to identify him. The case deeply affected the community, with misinformation spreading online. Kohberger waived his right to appeal. Some victims’ relatives offered forgiveness and sought answers.
The post Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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