A Lauderdale County man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after a four-day jury trial found him guilty of capital murder.

 

Montrell Deundtrae Taylor, 31, was found guilty by a Lauderdale County jury for killing Denisha Knight on Sept. 30, 2021, and sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Charles Wright, District Attorney Kassie Coleman announced.

 

Taylor was arrested by the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s on Oct. 22, 2021, for shooting and killing Denisha Knight in her home on Sandflat Road. He was indicted in June 2023 for capital murder.

 

Coleman said she was glad to have the case brought to a resolution and will continue to fight for those impacted by domestic violence.

 

“Far too often victims of domestic violence are killed when they choose to leave their abuser. The defendant assaulted Denisha Knight two weeks prior to her death, and she ended their relationship. The District Attorney’s Office will continue to seek justice on behalf of domestic violence victims. The actions of domestic abusers will not go unchallenged, and they will be prosecuted. I am thankful for the jury’s verdict. I hope the Knight family finds some comfort in knowing that the defendant has been held accountable. My prayers remain with Denisha’s loved ones who have endured so much over the past three and a half years,” she said.

 

The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Kassie Coleman and Assistant District Attorney Tommy Whitfield.

 

The victim’s parents, Dennis and Hazel Knight, both said their daughter was a devoted mother, daughter, and friend. She loved sports and coaching young students. They are thankful that justice was served and expressed their gratitude for the work done by Investigator Clifford Holloway and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department.