In a tragic turn of events on December 23, 2024, the life of 17-year-old Madisyn Evans was cut short in Newton, Mississippi. A student at Newton County High School, where she was known for her involvement in softball and powerlifting, Evans was fatally shot on West Church Street in the early afternoon. When Newton Police responded to reports of a shooting, they discovered two juveniles, one of whom was Evans suffering from a gunshot wound to which she would soon succumb.
The other juvenile, a male, was unharmed.
The investigation that followed what authorities called a 'senseless act of violence' led to the identification and arrest of multiple individuals. The Newton County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Newton Police Department, brought charges against several suspects. Quintavious Johnson and Jakarie Love face the most severe charges, including capital murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and tampering with physical evidence.
In connection with the murder of Madisyn Evans, others were also implicated for their alleged roles in the crime. Brandon Shephard was charged with accessory before the fact to capital murder and tampering with physical evidence. Another individual, Lakeithia Ford, was charged with hindering prosecution. A fifth person, Carlonte Walker, was initially sought by law enforcement on charges of accessory after the fact to capital murder and tampering with physical evidence. He later surrendered to the Newton County Sheriff's Office.
