🌱 Local Man Guilty Of Murder + Hattiesburg Annexation Case Paused

Good morning, Hattiesburg! I'm Sean Peek, and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: An afternoon t-storm or two. High: 85 Low: 68.
• Friday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 86 Low: 67.

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Here are the top three stories in Hattiesburg today:

1. Noah Booth, a 22-year-old from Hattiesburg, was found guilty of second-degree murder and criminal street gang activity by the Forrest County Circuit Court. The charges stem from the shooting death of William Deshaun Myers on Feb. 6, 2019. Booth could face up to 40 years for second-degree murder and 20 years for criminal street gang activity, with sentencing to be determined at a later date. (WDAM)
2. The trial for Hattiesburg's proposed annexation into three areas of Forrest and Lamar County was unexpectedly cut short after the first three days due to the judge needing to attend to "other matters." The trial is tentatively scheduled to resume on Jun. 12, when city officials will continue their case. If successful, annexation would see Hattiesburg expand its borders along the commercial corridor of U.S. 98, the Windlass Drive area, and a section of U.S. 49. (HubcitySPOKES.com)
3. Tristan Barnes, a child injured in a Hattiesburg shooting, has been discharged from a Jackson hospital after over a month of treatment. Tristan was wounded when their family's home on Whitney Street was targeted, resulting in the death of their father, Terry Barnes. Police are still investigating the shooting; anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hattiesburg Police Department or Metro Crime Stoppers. (WDAM)

Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Thursday, May 11

• Sloth Experience At Hattiesburg Zoo (1:00 PM)
• Painting In The Park At The Jook (5:30 PM)

Friday, May 12

• Farm To Form Criterium Finish Line Celebration At The Porter (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• According to recent data, the state of Mississippi had the third-highest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that “young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents.” (Bumper.com)
• Gas prices continue to drop in Hattiesburg, down to $3.04 per gallon. This follows a national trend of declining rates at the pump, though metro areas are still seeing prices around the $5.00 range. (WJTV)
• Hattiesburg police are investigating a shooting at the Mint Julep Patio on Friday night. The shooting reportedly stemmed from a fight in the parking lot; no injuries have been reported, though four vehicles were struck by gunfire. (WDAM)

That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.