The trial of Holly Ann McCraw Mitchell is set to begin April 18 in Pearl River County. Mitchell is charged with second-degree murder and possession of a controlled substance. Judge Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald, IV will be presiding.
Mitchell is accused of shooting her husband, Shawn Patrick "Chunk" Mitchell, in their home at 721 Dale St. around 4 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2019, and of having methamphetamine in her possession.
Shawn Mitchell died of a single gunshot wound to the head at Forrest General Hospital.
Police Chief Michael Kelly said Chunk Mitchell was shot with a handgun, though other weapons, including an AR-15, were recovered from the house.
Police said neighbors reported hearing the couple arguing before the shooting.
Second-degree murder carries a penalty of 20 years to life. It is the appropriate charge when the accused acted in a way that was likely to take the life of the victim but was not a premeditated act.
The court ruled that a change of venue was appropriate because the victim was "a member of a prominent and influential family well-known in the community," and that "almost every time this case has been called before the court, a reporter from The Columbian-Progress is in the courtroom."
Shawn Mitchell was a Columbia Academy graduate and left behind two daughters.
