Skinner convicted of first degree murder in 2019 shooting of Courtney Anderson

Jason Skinner has been convicted of murder in the shooting death of Courtney Anderson. A conviction of first degree murder was made in his trial on Thursday.

The trial began Monday, prosecuted by District Attorney Richard E. Smith, Jr. and Assistant District Attorney Branan Southerland. In the course of the trial, the state called about 16 witnesses. Skinner testified on his behalf as the only witness for his defense. At about 6:45 p.m. Thursday, the jury came back with a guilty verdict for first degree murder after a 15-minute deliberation.

Skinner was sentenced by Judge Terrett to life in prison with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

On Nov. 27, 2019, Vicksburg Police officers responded to a shooting at 3708 Halls Ferry Road. The victim, Courtney Anderson, had been shot in the chest and died at the scene.

Courtney Anderson

The shooting triggered a massive manhunt for Skinner, who allegedly left the scene carrying the sawed-off shotgun that police identified as the weapon used to kill Anderson.

Vicksburg and Warren County law enforcement officers apprehended Skinner less than five hours after responding to a call of a shooting at 3708 Halls Ferry Road on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Skinner was apprehended at Crossway Church on U.S. Highway 61 South after triggering an alarm.

In his first court appearance on Nov. 30, 2019, Skinner was charged with first degree murder. He was given a $2 million bond on the murder charge and for burglary of a building.

Jason Skinner, center, on his way to court, flanked by Vicksburg Police Lt. Johnnie Edwards, left, and  Chief Milton Moore (2019).