68-year-old Mississippi man sentenced to Life for Murder

BOONEVILLE, Miss.(VDN)—A Booneville, Mississippi man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last week and was sentenced to Life in Prison. 68-year-old Donail Williams murdered Tiffany Copeland in 2021.

Press Release:

On April 3, 2025, in the Circuit Court of Prentiss County, Mississippi, Russell Donail Williams, 68, of Booneville, Mississippi, pled guilty to first-degree murder for the murder of Tiffany Copeland. Williams was sentenced by Senior Circuit Judge Paul Funderburk to life in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. 

The case was investigated and responded to by the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Booneville Police Department and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Joel Baldwin and Kyle Robbins. 

Prentiss County Sheriff’s Office:

We are thankful for the long-awaited day that came yesterday when Russell Donail Williams of Booneville received a Life Sentence for the brutal murder of Tiffany Copeland. Williams has remained in custody since his 2021 arrest. 

The two investigators pictured, Torie Jumper with the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Corie Gann with Booneville Police worked tirelessly along with other Investigators and Officers to build a solid case. I’m Thankful that the Sheriff’s Department and the Police Department led by Chief Ramey have a great working relationship that is proven by the outcome of this case. Please continue to pray for Tiffany’s family as they continue to grieve over the loss of a beloved family member.

Under the current Mississippi law, Williams must serve every day of his sentence for first degree murder.