In May of 2021, a sense of unease settled over Canton, Mississippi, following the discovery of a local woman's body. Takoria 'Lu Lu' Brown, a 37-year-old female, was found deceased in a wheelchair inside a room at the Econo Lodge on Soldiers Colony Road. The grim discovery was made by the hotel's cleaning crew, who immediately alerted the authorities.
The initial investigation into Brown's death was handled by the Canton Police Department.
However, the case was soon turned over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to lend their expertise to the unfolding homicide inquiry. The circumstances surrounding her death were immediately considered suspicious, and investigators began the arduous process of piecing together the events that led to her tragic end.
After a thorough investigation, a suspect was identified in connection with Takoria Brown's death. Johnny Harris Jr. was arrested and ultimately charged with her murder. Evidence presented during the legal proceedings included surveillance footage from the Econo Lodge. The video reportedly showed Harris with Brown in the hotel room on the night of her death. The footage further captured Harris leaving the room alone the following morning, a crucial piece of evidence for the prosecution.
In November 2022, Johnny Harris Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his role in the death of Takoria Brown. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of drug trafficking. Following his plea, Harris was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder, ensuring he would be held accountable for his actions. The resolution of the case brought a measure of closure to the community and the family of Takoria Brown, though the senseless loss of her life left a lasting impact.
