Case dismissed for Carson man indicted for Granby murder

Charges have been dismissed for a Carson man who was charged with a 2021 murder.

Jefferson Davis County Law Enforcement Officers were called to 1081 Granby Road in Prentiss just after 7 a.m. on March 25, 2021.

Once on the scene they found Johnny Demario Watkins deceased in the front yard of the residence.

According to officers, Watkins’ girlfriend discovered him in the yard with multiple gunshot wounds and called first responders.

Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene.

After an initial investigation, officers issued a warrant for Skyler Rashaud Jones, 26, of Carson, and apprehended him at his mother’s home in Hattiesburg.

Jones made an initial appearance March 27, 2021, before JDC Justice Court Judge Ronnie Barnes who denied bond.

Jones was indicted by a Jefferson Davis County Grand Jury and set to be tried beginning March 18.

However, an Order of Nolle Prosequi was signed on March 11 by Jefferson Davis County Circuit Judge Brad Touchstone.

The indictment in this cause was Nolle Prossed, meaning abandoned or dismissed, without prejudice with the right to re-indict.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, the eyewitness in this case has intentionally made herself unavailable to testify and has evaded the warrant of the court to secure her appearance for trial.

Without her testimony, the State could not move forward and meet its burden of proof.

“Despite the ups and downs of this case, we are, as a family, still very hopeful that we will get justice for Demario Watkins,” said DeAnna Thurmond,

Should new evidence become available the state has the right to re-indict.

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