A three day trial in Lauderdale County Circuit Court concluded Wednesday with the defendant sentenced to life in prison, the District Attorney’s office announced.

 

Johnny Lee Thomas, 29, was found guilty of first degree murder by the jury for fatal shooting of Garland Jai Murray Jr. at a Meridian apartment complex on Aug. 7, 2021. Thomas was arrested by Meridian Police Department on Aug. 16, 2021, and incited by a grand jury in January 2023.

 

District Attorney Kassie Coleman, who prosecuted the case along with Assistant District Attorney Tommy Whitfield, said her office is committed to tackling gun violence in the area.

 

“Mr. Murray’s death was the result of senseless gun violence that will not be tolerated in our community. Today’s verdict and sentencing should serve as notice for those who choose to use guns to harm others,” she said. “Gun violence will not be tolerated and the District Attorney’s Office will seek the maximum sentence to those who choose to shoot and harm others. I appreciate Mr. Murray’s family who has remained patient as we pursued this conviction.”

 

Thomas faced enhanced penalties from the charges under Mississippi’s habitual offender law. He had previously been convicted of two prior felony offenses, Coleman’s office said.

 

Murray’s parents, Garland Murray Sr. and Janice Murray said they appreciated the effort by Meridian Police Department and its investigators who handled their son’s case. Murray was a father of three children, they said.