A 2013 murder case has gone to trial in Lowndes County Circuit Court.
Derrick Nelson, 22, is accused of killing his mother’s boyfriend, Willie Hood Jr., at Nelson’s residence on Pine Street. The shooting happened at about 1:30 a.m. May 18, 2013, according to authorities.
Nelson turned himself in after the shooting. His bond was set at $1 million.
Assistant district attorneys Armstrong Walters and Tina Davidson-Brooks are representing the state. Brandon Langford and Donna Smith are representing Nelson.
Testimony opened Monday afternoon with Kiauna Davis, Nelson’s sister. Prosecutors questioned Davis about a statement she provided to Columbus Police Department after the shooting, but she said she couldn’t recall if she actually said parts of the statement, such as that Nelson grabbed Hood from behind during an altercation and put his arms around his neck. She also said she couldn’t remember saying that Nelson put Hood on the front of a car and shot him in the head.
Prosecutors then called former Columbus Police Department officer L.C. Cockrell, who was at the scene after the shooting. Cockrell said he took Davis’ statement and remembered her saying what was written in it.
If convicted, Nelson faces life in prison.
The trial was expected to resume today.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.