In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Greenville, Mississippi, the life of 30-year-old Matthew Dillon Chase was tragically cut short. On April 10, 2022, Chase, a resident of Lewisville, Arkansas, was in a neighborhood in Greenville with companions. They had stopped to inspect what appeared to be an old, abandoned truck in an alley behind Cornell Avenue. It was a decision that would have fatal consequences.
From his back porch, approximately forty yards away, Deshunrick Mayes witnessed the group near the vehicle. Believing they were attempting to break into his truck, he opened fire, discharging around ten shots in their direction. One of these bullets struck Matthew Chase in the chest, killing him almost instantly. When officers from the Greenville Police Department and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene on Abide Road, they found Chase unresponsive.
Following the shooting, a standoff with law enforcement ensued, which ultimately led to the apprehension of Deshunrick Mayes. He was subsequently charged with Second Degree Murder for the death of Matthew Chase and two counts of Attempted Murder for firing at Chase's companions.
During his trial in the Washington County Circuit Court, Mayes' defense invoked Mississippi's 'Castle Doctrine,' arguing that he acted in self-defense, believing his property was being threatened. However, the evidence presented during the three-day trial did not support his claim. After approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury found Deshunrick Mayes guilty of Second Degree Murder and both counts of Attempted Murder. Following his conviction, Mayes was sentenced to serve nine years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for each count, with the sentences to be served concurrently.
