In the early morning hours of March 10, 2021, the life of 19-year-old Mickell Avery Gordon was tragically cut short in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The young man was found lying in the road in the Fontainebleau community, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound to the forehead. Authorities responded to a call around 2 a.m. and pronounced him dead at the scene. The events that led to this senseless act began with a casual gathering of friends. Gordon was spending the night with a friend, and they had invited a 19-year-old female acquaintance to join them. She arrived with a 14-year-old girl, Bridgett Leann Forehand.
The four young people were hanging out together, and at some point, Forehand was seen waving a gun around. The weapon, which she had reportedly stolen, discharged and the bullet struck Mickell in the forehead. Witnesses reported that there had been no argument or confrontation before the shooting. Forehand, who had been drinking alcohol and was behaving erratically, fled the scene but was apprehended by investigators shortly after they arrived. Two witnesses who were present remained in the area and spoke with authorities. It was revealed that Forehand and Gordon had only just met that night through mutual friends.
Bridgett Leann Forehand was arrested and, due to the severity of the crime, was charged as an adult. Initially facing a charge of manslaughter, this was later upgraded to second-degree murder. During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Forehand had a history of mental health issues. She later claimed to have blacked out from drinking and did not remember the shooting. Despite her lack of memory of the event, she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
The court case brought a measure of closure to a grieving family and community. Mickell's family described him as a beloved son and brother with a bright future. Raised in a military family, he had excelled in high school, playing sports and serving as the head of the student council. He had aspirations of becoming an accountant for the IRS and was enrolled in college. After consulting with Gordon's family, the state recommended a sentence that the judge accepted. Bridgett Forehand was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 25 years suspended. She is to serve 15 years in prison, followed by 25 years of post-release supervision.
