Warren County man sentenced to 10 years for killing his father

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

A Warren County man has been sentenced for shooting and killing his father in 2022.

Judge Toni Terrett sentenced Jeffrey Young Jr. to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 10 years to serve, after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Young Jr. was arrested nearly four years ago in connection with the death of his father, Jeffrey Young Sr., at a residence on Castle Road in the Camelot Subdivision.

During the sentencing hearing, Young Jr. testified that his father struggled with alcohol abuse and frequently became violent.

“He would go in a rage and get violent every day,” Young Jr. said. “I’m sorry, and he was my father, but that day he just pushed me too far.”

Young Jr. was represented by defense attorney Mike Bonner, who told the court that law enforcement had responded to the Young residence on multiple occasions because of incidents involving Young Sr.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Warren represented the state. Warren argued that Young Sr. had his back turned toward Young Jr. when he was fatally shot and posed no threat at the time.

Warren also told the court that Young Jr. went into his room to retrieve a weapon before shooting his father in the front yard. He asked the court to impose the maximum sentence of 40 years.

Young Sr.’s sister, Jackie, also addressed the court and requested the maximum sentence.

“My brother was a loving and caring person,” she said. “I still love my nephew, but I want him to get the max for the murder of my brother.”

A cousin testified about an incident at Kroger in which Young Sr., while intoxicated, allegedly slammed Young Jr. against a wall and began punching him.

A family friend described Young Sr. as a drunk, drug addict and abusive spouse who abused both Young Jr. and his mother.

Young Jr.’s third-grade teacher also testified, saying that Young Sr. frequently appeared intoxicated at events involving his son.

Under Mississippi law, individuals convicted of second-degree murder must serve their sentence day-for-day and are not eligible for early release.