Vicksburg man Johnnie Hicks convicted in Louisiana murder-for-hire case

IBERVILLE PARISH, Miss. (VDN) —

A Vicksburg man was convicted last week on multiple charges connected to a 2024 murder in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, with testimony identifying him as the man who carried out the killing.

Johnnie Hicks was found guilty Friday of conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, principal to second-degree murder, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, principal to aggravated burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Hicks was found not guilty of illegal possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime of violence.

The verdict followed a two-week trial stemming from the killing of 65-year-old Herman Harris in 2024. Rilonda Brooks and David Brooks were also convicted for their involvement in Harris’ death. Jurors deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts against all three defendants.

Much of the testimony surrounding Hicks’ alleged role in the killing came from co-defendant Javadda Lewis, an Edwards, Mississippi, native who testified against the defendants for nearly four hours. Lewis identified Hicks as the person who shot and killed Harris.

Lewis’ testimony described the killing as part of a murder-for-hire plot. According to Lewis, Brooks told him that his sister was having problems with an employee and that “she needed him out of the way.”

Lewis testified that Brooks then proposed a deal in exchange for carrying out the plan. Hicks was to receive a vehicle and a job, while Lewis was to receive a fronted kilogram of cocaine.

Lewis also detailed how he and Hicks entered Harris’ home before the killing. He testified that the two knocked on Harris’ door, turned the doorknob and went inside. Lewis said he initially entered the residence before stepping back outside and standing under the carport as a lookout while Hicks remained inside.

According to Lewis’ testimony, Hicks later emerged from the home carrying a pillow, which he dropped before the two fled to a vehicle.

District Attorney Tony Clayton said a life sentence was taken off the table for Lewis in connection with his cooperation in the case. Clayton noted, however, that Lewis could still receive a sentence of up to 99 years.