Fred McCray Jr., a 27-year-old male teacher from Ferriday, Louisiana, was tragically killed in June 2019. His death left a profound impact on the community where he was known as a dedicated and beloved educator. McCray had recently completed his first year of teaching at Morgantown Middle School in Natchez, Mississippi, and had been honored as the 2018-2019 'Teacher of the Year' for the Natchez-Adams County School District.
His colleagues and students remembered him for his infectious smile, gentle personality, and passion for education.
The circumstances surrounding McCray's death began to unfold after he was reported missing on Sunday, June 23, 2019. On that day, he had given a ride to two men. Tragically, this act of kindness would be his last. Investigators determined that McCray was shot in the head. His body was later discovered hidden under plywood and garbage at an old food plant in Ferriday. The investigation quickly led to the identification of two suspects: Jimmy O'Neal Lewis, 48, of Ferriday, and Cedric Tennessee.
Both Lewis and Tennessee were arrested and subsequently faced charges of first-degree murder. The case against one of the suspects, Sedrick Tennessee, proceeded to trial. Initially indicted on a charge of first-degree murder, the charge was later amended to second-degree murder. A jury unanimously convicted Tennessee of the amended charge. As a result of the conviction, he received a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Legal records indicate that it was Tennessee's idea to get into the victim's vehicle on the night of the murder.
