Pearl Mayor Jake Windham’s claims about chase suspect debunked by Hinds County officials

Pearl Mayor Jake Windham stated last week that the suspect involved in the police pursuit that ended up killing Vicksburg native Brad Pennington was being investigated by Hinds County District Attorney’s Office for capital murder. However, Hinds County DA has denied that claim.

Pearl officers attempted to pull over 20-year-old Brandon Andrews on Thursday and eventually chased him into Jackson city limits. Andrews crashed into Pennington’s U.S. Postal service vehicle on Maria Drive and caused him to be transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The impact ejected Pennington from the vehicle and broke his neck.

Shortly after his death, a gofundme page was created on behalf of Pennington to go towards education funds for his son. As of this reporting, nearly $24,000 has been raised.

“It was a complete shock that we are still trying to understand,” the family wrote.

Last week during a press conference, Windham stated a number of crimes were tied to the suspect, Brandon Andrews.

Brandon Andrews (Pearl Police Department)

“We like to verify and confirm information before we put it out,” Windham stated. “I want to verify something before I talk to you guys.”

According to a report by WLBT, a search by the newsgroup revealed no indictments existed for Andrews in Hinds County. According to Andrews’ attorney, Trent Walker, the claims made by Windham were “unsubstantiated”. Walker stated Andrews was questioned after a kid came up missing and was later found dead. However, no charges were filed against Andrews.

In a later statement, Windham changed his statement to refer to Andrews as a “person of interest.”

“The information released regarding Brandon Andrews’ criminal history during last Friday’s press conference, was then and is still, true and accurate,” stated Windham. “Brandon Andrews is a person of interest in a kidnapping and capital murder case in the city of Jackson. The information came directly to Pearl Police Investigators from Jackson Police personnel.”

According to WLBT’s investigation into the matter, Flowood police did confirm other claims against Andrews. Flowood authorities stated Andrews was arrested for possession of narcotics with intent to distribute and was also charged with possession of a stolen firearm.

Hinds County was also able to confirm charges of armed robbery and shooting into an occupied vehicle. However, those charges have not yet reached the district attorney’s office.

Windham’s statements last Friday included crimes Andrews was convicted of. WLBT’s investigation determined those claims were also false.

“He has been pulled over and cited a number of times, and if he was wanted, one would think that would have been discovered,” Walker told WLBT. “I would have reason to believe this officer would have recognized his vehicle passing by.”

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Service are investigating the pursuit.