A horrific prison murder has sent shockwaves through Mississippi after an elected official's father and son were brutally killed in a state correctional facility over an alleged marijuana debt.
The victims, 51-year-old Anthony Jackson and his 22-year-old son DeAnthony Jackson, were attacked at the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville. Both men were serving sentences for separate crimes when the tragedy unfolded.
Family Tragedy Behind Bars
Anthony Jackson, the father, was serving a 12-year sentence for burglary and house arrest violation. His son DeAnthony had been sentenced to three years for aggravated assault. The family connection to local politics makes the case particularly notable - Anthony's brother is George Jackson Jr., a county supervisor in Bolivar County.
Disturbing Details Emerge
According to prison officials and investigative documents, the attack stemmed from a dispute over cannabis. The alleged perpetrator, 26-year-old inmate Walter Gates, reportedly attacked the Jackson men after a disagreement about a marijuana debt.
The violence occurred in the prison's Unit 5 A-Bed, where Gates is accused of stabbing both victims multiple times with a homemade weapon. Correctional officers responded immediately, but both men succumbed to their injuries.
Official Response and Investigation
The Mississippi Department of Corrections has confirmed the incident and launched a full investigation. Commissioner Burl Cain stated that the department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
"This type of violence will not be tolerated in our facilities," Commissioner Cain emphasized. "We are reviewing all circumstances surrounding this tragic event and will implement additional security measures where necessary."
Broader Implications for Prison Safety
This brutal murder raises serious questions about safety within Mississippi's correctional system. The state's prisons have faced scrutiny in recent years over staffing shortages and violence among inmates.
Local officials and criminal justice advocates are calling for immediate reforms and better protection for inmates. The case has particularly highlighted the dangers posed by contraband drugs within prison walls and the violent disputes they can trigger.
The Jackson family has requested privacy as they mourn their devastating loss while the investigation continues.
