Video: Appeal Case Begins In Lowndes County Murder Conviction

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Three state appellate court judges heard opening arguments Monday for the appeal of a man serving a life sentence.

A jury found Randall Cooper Jr. guilty of first-degree murder in May of 2015 in Lowndes County. Cooper was involved in the 2013 shooting death of Virgil Harris on Columbus’ northside.

His attorney argued Monday that Cooper committed the crime in the “heat of passion” and said his sentence should be manslaughter. The attorney argued Cooper acted in self-defense and the evidence presented at trial was misleading.

Additionally, his attorney said after Virgil Harris made threats, Cooper had reason to believe that the victim had a gun. Cooper was not present at today’s proceedings.

Judge Jim Greenlee, judge Donna Barnes and judge Jack Wilson heard the arguments, which took place at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus as part of the Court on the Road program.

During the trial, 20-year-old Cooper claimed he shot Harris in self-defense.

He was found guilty of shooting 23-year-old Virgil Harris multiple times as Harris got out of a car in front of a home near the intersection of 21st Street and Third Avenue North.

Coroner Greg Merchant says Harris died on the way to Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle. Cooper and Harris were passengers in a car driven by a woman.