Mansfield pleads guilty in 2024 murder-arson case

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A Vicksburg woman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and arson on Tuesday in a 2024 case. Carolyn Mansfield stood before Judge James Chaney this morning and pleaded guilty to her alleged crimes.

Last year, Mansfield, along with her co-defendant Albert Thomas, was charged with first-degree murder and arson. Back in October, the Grand Jury returned indictments on Mansfield and Thomas. Both are accused of deliberately setting a house on fire after arguing with 75-year-old Ernest Gleese over drugs. Gleese was found deceased in the home on Speed Street back in February 2024.

According to Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps, the fire’s origin was suspicious, so the State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate. The Vicksburg Police Department joined the investigation, which led to an arrest.

Mansfield will be sentenced by Judge Chaney on July 8. She faces a maximum of 40 years in prison for the charge of second-degree murder. As of now, Thomas will take his case to trial which will begin on July 14.