Sturdivant Sentenced to 12 Years for Murder

VICKSBURG, Miss. – Markevius Sturdivant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the Warren County Circuit on Tuesday. Judge Toni Terrett sentenced him to 40 years with 12 to serve in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Sturdivant is charged with the murder of Shemar Jashad Smith who was killed last year in Waltersville Estate. On April 13, 2023, officers were dispatched to a shooting on King’s Drive. After a lengthy search, the body of a male was discovered nearby. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene by Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey. He suffered from multiple gunshot wounds.

In court, Sturdivant apologized to Smith’s family.

“From the bottom of my heart I hope you will forgive me,” Sturdivant said. “Nothing will bring Shemar back, but I’m deeply sorry for your loss and I’m begging the court to show mercy on my behalf. I’m a very nonviolent man. Being incarcerated taught me to do something with my life.”

Smith’s grandmother spoke as well and forgave Sturdivant for his actions.

“You took my grandson but I don’t hate you, but I hate what you did,” she said. “I pray that God will protect you and maybe one day you’ll see that your actions weren’t right. It hurts me when I have to go to the cemetery to talk to Shemar.”

Dennis Sweet represented Sturdivant and asked the court for additional time suspended. Judge Terrett ultimately sentenced him to 40 years with 12 to serve.

Assistant DA Branan Southerland represented the state.