Suspect in Hayden Burke murder case convicted of another murder and aggravated assault in Jefferson Davis County

PRENTISS, Mississippi (WDAM) – One of three suspects involved in the murder of a teenager in Jefferson Davis County has been sentenced to prison for another murder in the county, prosecutors said.

15th Judicial District Attorney Hal Kittrell on Monday announced the guilty plea and conviction of 18-year-old Kadarrian Johnson for the first-degree murder of Jarriyon Davis and aggravated assault for the shooting death of Brandon Dedeaux on Nov. 14, 2021. Johnson also pleaded guilty and was convicted of aggravated assault for a shooting in Lawrence County that occurred on Sept. 3, 2023.

District Judge Prentiss Harrell sentenced Johnson to 80 years in prison – 40 years for the Davis murder, 20 years for the Dedeaux shooting and 20 years for the aggravated assault in Lawrence County. All sentences must be served concurrently.

According to court documents, Johnson opened fire on Davis and Dedeaux from the back seat of Davis’ car on the evening of November 14, 2021, while they were on U.S. Highway 84 in Jefferson Davis County.

Davis suffered numerous gunshot wounds and died at the scene, while Dedeaux was shot multiple times but survived his injuries.

Prosecutors said Johnson, a Prentiss native, was a minor at the time of the murder, making 40 years the maximum sentence Harrell could impose under the law and making him ineligible for parole or early release.

Johnson is one of three suspects charged in the murder of Hayden Burke, a Carson teenager whose body was found in Jefferson Davis County after he was reported missing.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of one man, nearly took the life of another, and caused unimaginable suffering to friends and family,” Kittrell said. “I hope this sentencing brings some closure and comfort knowing that Johnson will spend the next four decades in prison.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Reginald “Chip” Lewis and Laurel Brinkley.

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