By Associated Press - Monday, September 26, 2016

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) - The first-degree murder and conspiracy trial of a 27-year-old Hattiesburg man is expected to begin with jury selection on Tuesday.

The Hattiesburg American reports (https://hatne.ws/2dhAbLY) V’Nell Miskell is accused in the death of 20-year-old Johnnie Cooper of Hattiesburg, whose body was found Sept. 11, 2014, in a drainage ditch.

Two other men were charged in the death. Twenty-three-year-old Vernell Miskell pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact of murder on Sept. 8. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine when sentenced.



Pedro Alvarez is scheduled to stand trial Nov. 29. He was released on bond in February. His bond was set at $75,000 each for the murder and conspiracy charges.

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Information from: The Hattiesburg American, https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com

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