Chaneeta Denise Bryant ran over James Edward Johnson, 63, got out of the car to look, then got back in and drove over him again, according to testimony.
Now the 28-year-old Foxworth woman is expected to serve the rest of her life in prison after pleading guilty to murder Friday.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 13, and the conviction calls for a mandatory life sentence.
District Attorney Hal Kittrell said the case was a difficult one and that the murder charge fit the crime.
“The anger that she exhibited and the fact that she jumped the ditch and ran back for the second time to run over him makes it obvious that she’s got no place among us,” he said. “She’ll serve that life sentence. The judge is bound by statute to do that.”
The case was originally set to go to trial Oct. 10 in Marion County, but Bryant decided to plead guilty. The crime happened on June 10, 2016, in front of the Four-Way Grocery in the Hurricane Creek community. Johnson, who lived in Hurricane Creek, died three days later as a result of injuries suffered in the attack.
Bryant was indicted by a grand jury in Marion County earlier this year. Appearing in court in an orange Marion County Women’s Correctional Facility jumpsuit, with her attorney, Shirlee Baldwin, Bryant entered her plea in front of 15th Judicial Circuit Judge Claiborne C. “Buddy” McDonald.
McDonald addressed Bryant, asking her several questions about the plea.
“I’m required to make sure you are entering the plea of guilty knowingly,” he said. “I need to ensure that you understand the elements of the crime that you are charged with. I want to be certain that you know what your rights are. You don’t have to plead guilty, but if you do, you must be truthful. Once I make my decision, it’s final.”
After addressing her plea, McDonald reminded Bryant that the sentence for murder would be the same as if she was found guilty by a jury.
“The sentence is mandatory,” he said. “However, I will listen to the sentencing recommendations. I can’t sentence you to more than the maximum sentence on your charge.”
McDonald asked Bryant if she fully understood the murder charge, to which she answered, “Yes, sir.”
Assistant District Attorney Kim Harlin summarized the state’s case and new details in Johnson’s death came to light publicly for the first time. Bryant was charged with two counts, the first one murder and the second for fleeing the scene.
Harlin described the testimony that would have taken place if the case had proceeded, including that of Marion County Sheriff’s Office Investigator (now Chief Deputy) Jamie Singley and other law enforcement and first responders.
“When deputies arrived, they found Mr. Johnson lying on the ground,” Harlin said. “He had severe injuries to his legs and abdomen. He was flown to Forrest General Hospital for treatment. Investigator Singley processed the scene and took photographs.”
Through the course of the investigation it was determined that a white Nissan Maxima driven by Bryant was involved in the death. Deputy Allen Allday had previously stopped the vehicle, and officials knew to whom and where it belonged. Deputies later found the vehicle at a residence on Hemmingtown Road with damage consistent with the accident. The tag had been removed. They took Bryant into custody.
Harlin said surveillance videos from the store captured the entire incident from several angles.
“We observe her pulling up to the gas pump,” she said. “He was a passenger in the vehicle. He opens the door, gets out and makes contact with the cashier. Mr. Johnson then exits the store. The two exchange words and he runs in the store to keep Ms. Bryant from continuing a physical altercation.”
At that point, Johnson exited the store and and began walking toward New Hope Road.
“She exits and gets in the car,” Harlin said. “She runs toward him and she gets stuck. She gets unstuck and intentionally strikes him across the street and drives on top of him. She exits the vehicle, looks and gets back in and drives on top of him again, then leaves the scene.”
Harlin said witnesses reported that the two had been arguing over money. In statements to officers, Bryant admitted to striking Johnson with the vehicle.
McDonald then read the statute and charge of murder to Bryant.
“Do you plead guilty or not guilty?” he asked.
“Guilty,” Bryant answered.
“At this time do you want to make any changes to your plea?” McDonald asked.
Bryant answered that she did not wish to make changes.
“I’m going to find you guilty of first degree murder in the court of Marion County, Miss.,” McDonald said.
Sentencings begin at 9 a.m. on Oct. 13 at the Marion County Courthouse, and Bryant’s sentencing will be set sometime that morning.
Pictured Above: Chaneeta Denise Bryant appears in Circuit Court in Lamar County to plead guilty to murder last Friday. | Photo by Mark Rogers
