Three found guilty in murder trial, sentenced to life

Published 6:46 pm Friday, February 13, 2026

Three men were found guilty of murder following a week-long trial at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. Following the jury’s verdict, Circuit Court Judge Robert Bailey sentenced all three men to life without parole.

In a news release, District Attorney Kassie Coleman said 25-year-old Antonio Devon Clay, 22-year-old Rodriguez Davis and 26-year-old Joshua Hearn were found guilty in the murder of  23-year-old Jakavion Mark Adams on May 23, 2023 near the intersection of Poplar Springs Drive and North Hills Street.

“These gang members carried out this calculated killing in broad daylight in a highly traveled area of Meridian at 2:30 in the afternoon. The District Attorney’s Office will continue to seek the maximum sentence for violent offenders who endanger the safety of our community,” Coleman said.

Meridian Police Department investigated the case, and Coleman, along with Assistant District Attorney Tommy Whitfield served as prosecutors.

Coleman said she wants to thank all of those who helped with the trial throughout the week including the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, Meridian Fire Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Transportation Security Administration.