CLARKSDALE, Miss. — A Coahoma County jury has found a man guilty in the 2021 fatal shooting of a 7-year-old Clarksdale boy whose family was caught in what prosecutors described as a case of mistaken identity.
District Attorney Brenda F. Mitchell announced Friday that Brandon Washington was convicted following a four-day trial that began July 27 and concluded July 30 before Circuit Judge Charles E. Webster.
Jurors found Washington guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, two counts of attempted aggravated assault with a firearm, shooting into a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The convictions stem from an Oct. 11, 2021, shooting in the 900 block of Desoto Avenue. Prosecutors said a family of four was ambushed when their vehicle was struck multiple times by gunfire. The shooting killed a 7-year-old boy and injured the child’s father.
According to the district attorney’s office, investigators determined the family had been targeted in a case of mistaken identity.
Following the verdict, the court immediately proceeded to sentencing. Washington, who was represented by attorney Mike Carr, declined to make a statement before sentencing, according to the district attorney’s office.
Judge Webster sentenced Washington to life in prison plus an additional 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
District Attorney Mitchell said she hopes the verdict provides some measure of comfort to the victim’s family, while acknowledging that no court decision can replace their loss.
Mitchell also praised members of the Clarksdale Police Department, Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office and the staff of the District Attorney’s Office for their work investigating and prosecuting the case.
