Murder Suspect Sentenced to 30 Years in Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, Miss. – A murder suspect in Vicksburg pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the Warren County Circuit Court. John Earl Wallace stood before Judge James Chaney for his involvement in the 2023 murder of Preston Wilson, Jr.

Judge Chaney sentenced Wallace to 40 years with 30 years to serve.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Warren represented the state and described what happened in 2023. The Vicksburg Police Department responded to a call of shots fired on Cherry/Harris Street where they found Wilson lying in the street. Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene by Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey.

Eight shell casings were found at the scene of the murder. During the investigation, Wallace told Deputy Police Chief Troy Kimble that he rolled down his window and told Wilson to “be careful” before he and Perrion Johnson opened fire from a vehicle.

Assistant DA Warren recommended a 40-year sentence with 30 to serve. He also mentioned that Wallace must testify against his co-defendants. Judge Chaney accepted the recommendation and sentenced Wallace, accordingly. Under Mississippi law, Wallace must serve every day of his 30-year sentence for second-degree murder.

Before being taken away by Deputies, Wallace looked over to his co-defendant(Perrion Johnson) and said “You need to step up because someone lost their son.”

Co-defendant Zachary Bryant also pleaded guilty on Tuesday but only on the charge of Accessory after the fact. He was a front passenger in the vehicle at the time of the murder.

ADA Warren recommended a 10-year suspended sentence as long as Bryant testifies truthfully against his co-defendants. Chaney accepted that recommendation as well. The additional murder charge was dropped.

Co-defendant Perrion Johnson also had a court appearance today where he chose to not plead guilty to the murder of Wilson. His trial is scheduled for the term of March 10.