Vicksburg woman sentenced to 35 years for Murder

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A Vicksburg woman has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, with five years suspended, for her role in the 2024 murder of 75-year-old Ernest Gleese.

Carolyn Mansfield pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced Friday by Judge James Chaney Jr. She will serve 35 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without the possibility of early release.

Mansfield was initially charged with first-degree murder and arson alongside co-defendant Albert Thomas. The two were accused of setting fire to Gleese’s Speed Street home following a dispute over drugs. Gleese was found dead in the burned residence in February 2024.

Assistant District Attorney Branan Southerland prosecuted the case on behalf of the state.

Former Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said the fire appeared suspicious, prompting the involvement of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Vicksburg Police Department joined the investigation, which ultimately led to arrests.

Mansfield pleaded guilty in June. Under Mississippi law, she will have to serve every day of her 35-year sentence.