Flora Man Convicted of Second Degree Murder

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Frederick Edwards Jr., 20, was found guilty of second degree murder after a two day jury trial held before Circuit Court Judge Dewey Arthur.

On February 24, 2019, the Flora Police Department was dispatched to 457 Railroad Avenue located in Flora to the scene of a knife attack. Mr. Jimmie Forbes, 63, who was disabled and wheelchair bound, told police that a man named Freddy had come to his home demanding to borrow his truck and, when Forbes refused, he attacked Forbes with a knife. He stabbed Forbes multiple times in the chest and stomach region. Mr. Forbes later succumbed to his injuries, passing away on March 2, 2019.

During the trial, Edwards told the jury that he had smoked marijuana. However, he claimed that the joint must have been laced with something causing him to act out as he did. Medical experts determined he was competent to stand trial, and the jury found him responsible for his actions.

District Attorney Bramlett stated “This was a violent attack on an elderly, disabled man. We are thankful to the Flora Police Department for such a thorough investigation as well as the jurors of Madison County who showed up for jury duty and ultimately served on this trial so that Mr. Forbes could receive justice. The law in Mississippi does not allow you to escape conviction because you voluntarily became intoxicated and had an adverse reaction that you were not expecting. This is true even if you did not know the intoxicating substance was laced with another intoxicating substance. You are still responsible for your actions when you decide to engage in the use of illegal drugs.”

Frederick Edwards, Jr. is set to be sentenced January 4, 2021.

Defendant:

Name: Frederick Edwards, Jr.

Date of Birth: 08/02/2000

Found Guilty of Second Degree Murder