Vicksburg man pleads guilty to manslaughter

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — A Vicksburg man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 killing of 20-year-old Brendyn Carmen.

Larry Bell entered the plea in court while represented by defense attorney Noah Drake. Assistant District Attorney Branan Southerland represented the state.

Southerland told the court that Bell attempted to buy marijuana from Carmen but then tried to rob him. Carmen’s blue Nissan Maxima was later found wrecked on First North Street near the intersection of Clay Street. Authorities said Carmen had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and the vehicle had crashed into a utility pole.

Bell was originally charged with capital murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. He now faces up to 20 years in prison.

Judge James Chaney set sentencing for March 3.