Murder suspects from Oct. 1 shooting spree arraigned
Published 1:03 am Friday, September 7, 2018
NATCHEZ — Nine suspects in an Oct. 1 shooting incident that resulted in a murder will stand trial on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m.
All of the suspects entered not guilty pleas during a Thursday morning arraignment before Circuit Judge Forrest “Al” Johnson.
Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said more than 130 gunshots were fired from a high-powered assault rifle, reportedly from the back of a white pickup truck, as a group of people drove through Natchez in the early morning hours of Oct. 1.
Richard Frazier, 34, was killed by one of the shots as he sat in his vehicle on West Stiers Lane.
After Thursday’s, four of the suspects were released, including Jermetrice Thomas, 21, on a recognizance bond; Stacy Woods II, 21, with a bond of $100,000; Terrance Edward Brown, 26, with a bond $65,000; and Kendrick Thomas, 25, with a bond of $65,000.
Suspects who remain at Adams County Jail as of Thursday include Kiandas Washington, 20, with no bond; Harry Smith Jr., 19, with a bond of $3.5 million; Datarrius Matthews, 24, with a bond of $2,750,000; Garrick Johnson, 28, with a bond of $3 million; and Cleophus Robinson Jr., 21, with a bond of $1.5 million.
All nine of the suspects have each been indicted with four counts of aggravated assault and one count of murder to the first-degree and will stand trial on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. with Forrest Johnson presiding.
Also present at Thursday’s arraignment and pleading not guilty were Jadarius McKnight and Damien Green who were arrested after the Oct. 1 incident and indicted, each with one charge of aggravated assault and a bond of $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. Both are also expected to appear at the trial on Nov. 13.