Dist. 2 prosecutors secure convictions in four murder cases

Ross gets 41 years for 2022 WM shooting

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F.

Hagood announced this week that on Friday, Jan. 12, her office achieved fout First Degree Murder convictions in one day, including a shooting that occurred in Crittenden County just after Christmas in 2022.

“These verdicts send a strong message to the citizens of Crittenden and Mississippi Counties, Hagood said. “The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is hard at work to protect innocent victims and put these violent criminals where they belong. I cannot think of another time when four convictions of this magnitude were achieved on the very same day. I am extremely proud of our team and law enforcement partners.”

Of most pressing local interest, a Crittenden County jury found Jotavion Ross guilty of Murder in the First Degree and sentenced him to a total of 41 years in prison. Prosecutor Hagood and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tiarra Tanner presented evidence that on Dec. 28, 2022, Ross chased down Samual Johnson and shot him three times in the street in front of his home in West Memphis. The West Memphis Police Department investigated the case and made the initial arrest.

Hagood said, “The West Memphis Police Department has incredibly dedicated detectives working for the citizens of West Memphis. Detective Chad Davis lead the investigation with his team and did an excellent job.”

On the same day, a Mississippi County Jury found three Blytheville residents guilty of murder in the April 17, 2021 slaying of Javion Sims.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Gina Nelson and Curtis Walker presented evidence that demonstrated that the three defendants laid in wait to participate in a gunfight with another group of individuals. This gunfight took place on a sunny afternoon in a residential area. In one minute, more than 75 rounds were fired in this gun battle between the defendants and the individuals in the other vehicle. One of these bullets struck the victim and he died on scene. Joel Williams was sentenced to 40 years in prison while Willavontae Westmorland and Tyree Johnson both received a sentence of 35 years.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gina Nelson said, “We want to thank the jury for their time and their service. We hope this verdict sends a strong message that the citizens of Blytheville and Mississippi County will no longer tolerate senseless acts of violence within our county.”

The Prosecuting Attorney's office is committed to continuing its efforts to combat violence within the 2nd Judicial District. The level of cooperation and commitment demonstrated by law enforcement and the Prosecuting Attorney's office is essential to produce just outcomes for the victims of crime and the citizens of Mississippi and Crittenden Counties.

Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Justice