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NATCHEZ — It took until approximately 5:30 p.m. Thursday to seat a jury for the murder trial of Jalin Johnson, who is accused in the October 4, 2019, shooting death of Scottie Rodgers.

Sixth Circuit District Attorney Tim Cotton said Johnson is charged with first-degree homicide, conspiracy to commit first-degree homicide, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault against another person in the case.

Johnson, who was 17 at the time, was arrested on Oct. 12, 2019, along with Jeremiyah Clark, then 18, who was also charged with first-degree murder in the case.

A third man, Zakya Jones, 18, was charged with accessory before the fact of murder. The cases are being tried individually.

The shooting occurred near Fraser Street in Natchez, according to reports at the time. Two victims drove themselves to Merit Health Natchez, arriving at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 4. A female victim was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for her injuries. Rogers was pronounced dead there.

Walter Armstrong, who was the Natchez police chief at the time, said drugs played a role in the crime.

In November 2024, Cotton dismissed the indictments against Clark and Johnson. At the time, he said, “When I got the Scottie Rodgers case and reviewed it, it was evident that there are people involved who have not been charged, people who had more involvement than some who were charged.”

Cotton later reindicted Johnson.

The trial began Friday morning and was expected to last through the weekend.