Jackson Jambalaya

JJ has learned that the Hinds County grand jury will decide Tuesday whether to indict the three suspects in the murder of Chelsie Kirschten.   


Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith asked the Mississippi Supreme Court Wednedsay to order Hinds County Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green to hold a hearing on the release of Nicholas Coats.  Nicholas Coats was arrested and charged with the murder of Chelsie Kirschten on Fortification Street in October.  County Court Judge William Skinner denied bond for Coats but ordered him to be released if he was not indicted within 90 days.  Coats was released from the Raymond Detention Center on January 10.

Coats and Lidarius Dixon were charged with murder in the death of Chelsie Kirschten. The 23 year-old waitress was killed on  August 17 when she was stopped at the intersection of Fortification Street and North State Street. Jushun "Red" Paige was charged with accessory after the fact - murder.  None of the defendants have been indicted.  Paige and Dixon are being held without bond although Paige asked to be released as well.  Coats was released from prison one month prior to the murder after serving a short sentence for carjacking.

 The D.A.'s  petition for a writ of mandamus that was filed Wednesday states that Coats was released without any notice to the D.A. or Judge Skinner in violation of the rules of criminal procedure. Rule 8.5(c) is cited and requires the Senior Circuit Judge to review the "conditions of release for every felony defendant who is eligible for bail and has been in jail for more than 90 days."    The petition also states that a prosecutor is supposed to be present when the review occurs so any necessary objections can be made.

However, Assistant District Attorney Pat McNamara filed a sealed emergency motion to stay the order of the respondent Friday afternoon.   The grand jury was called Friday.