Jackson Jambalaya

Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that LeAndrew Williams has been sentenced for First-Degree Murder in the shooting death of 49-year-old Jimmie Lee Pierce, Jr. The fatal incident occurred during an armed robbery in Jackson in May 2022. On May 16, 2022, Pierce was sitting outside his residence at Northwest Plaza Apartments on North West Street when he was approached by Williams, who was fifteen at the time. Prior to the shooting, Williams had gone through his mother’s phone and discovered explicit messages between her and the victim, who was in a relationship with Williams’ mother. Upset by what he saw, Williams recruited his brother and uncle to help him confront the victim. Together, they planned to rob Pierce at his apartment.

During the course of the attempted robbery, which centered around Pierce’s wallet, Williams shot the victim twice with a 9mm handgun. Pierce was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Williams was found guilty of First-Degree Murder and received a 40-year sentence, with 35 years to be served in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

“Too many of our cases start the same way: a quick decision, a gun, and someone never makes it home. A man is gone because someone decided that his wallet was worth more than his life,” said District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II. “Our office stands firmly with victims of violent crime and will continue to pursue justice for every life that’s been stolen through reckless and intentional harm.”

Kingfish note: Williams was 15 years old when he killed the victim.  

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