Shoemaker sentenced to 40 years for murder in Warren County

A man from Warren County has been sentenced for the murder of Shelia Marie Hedrick in 2022. John Shoemaker pleaded guilty several weeks ago to second-degree murder in front of Circuit Court Judge Toni Terrett. He was sentenced to the maximum of 40 years in prison on Thursday.

Judge Toni Terrett: Photo by Keith Phillips

Prosecutor Michael Warren represented the state of Mississippi, where he pointed out that Shoemaker shot Hedrick five times, including once in the head. Warren also stated that after the murder, Shoemaker commented, “She’s not going to get the best of me, and I will be able to rest easy tonight.”

Prosecutor Michael Warren: Photo by Keith Phillips

Judge Terrett found the comments made by Shoemaker “concerning,” which led to her sentencing him to the maximum of 40 years.

Hedrick’s deceased body was found at a home in the 200 block of Leland Drive. Initially, Shoemaker told Warren County Sheriff deputies that Hedrick shot herself. However, it was discovered that she was shot twice in the chest, once in the head, and once in both the left and right arm.

Shoemaker apologized to Hedrick’s family before the sentencing, and he will have to serve every day of the 40 years. If released, he will be over the age of 100. Attorney Lane Campbell represented him in court.

District Attorney Ricky Smith assisted Warren in this case.