Ex-Officer from Jackson Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

A former police officer with Jackson Police Department has been indicted on murder charges by a Hinds County Grand Jury, to which he submitted a plea of not guilty.

Marcus Johnson was charged with first degree murder and shooting into a dwelling regarding an incident that occured on April 9, 2024.

Marcus Johnson, former JPD officer, pleads not guilty to murder.Photo byHinds County Sheriff's Dept

According to WJTV, Johnson's charges are connected to the fatal shooting of Carlos Collins, age 25. After the shooting occured, a chase from Vicksburg began, which led to Johnson being captured in Louisiana. The chase reportedly started on Interstate 20.

According to Detective Tommie Brown, Johnson served as a Jackson Police officer for just eight months in 2013. His time with Jackson Police Department ended when he resigned just before being terminated. Brown said that Johnson had been separated from the Police Department due to disciplinary actions, which were leading to an immediate termination.

Johnson will undergo a trial taking place on March 10, 2025.