Second suspect pleads guilty to 2023 murder, faces up to 40 years

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Perrion Johnson pleaded guilty Monday to the 2023 murder of Preston Wilson Jr. Johnson appeared before Judge James Chaney for his role in Wilson’s shooting death in July 2023.

Judge Chaney accepted Johnson’s guilty plea to second-degree murder and set sentencing for Mar. 26. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Co-defendants

In February, John Earl Wallace pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a 30-year sentence. Zachary Bryant pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and received a 10-year suspended sentence. His additional murder charge was dropped.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Warren represented the state in the case.

The Incident

On July 18, 2023, the Vicksburg Police Department responded to a report of shots fired near Cherry and Harris streets, where officers found Wilson lying in the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey.

Evidence

Investigators found eight shell casings at the scene. 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 Johnson opened fire from a vehicle.

Johnson’s Arrest

After the shooting, Johnson fled to Austin, Texas, where he was arrested in November 2023. He was initially charged with murder, drive-by shooting, three counts of aggravated assault, and shooting into an establishment. Judge Penny Lawson set his original bail at $4 million.

Under Mississippi law, Johnson will be required to serve his entire sentence, which will be handed down on March 26.