Inmate Admits to Fatally Beating Other Inmate

JACKSON – An inmate at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Pearl was fatally injured Sunday at approximately 8:00 p.m., by a fellow inmate.

The victim is identified as Clifton Majors, MDOC #R8762. Offender Tyler Smith, MDOC #155793 was identified by MDOC Corrections Investigation Division (CID) investigators as the suspect.

Inmate Smith, who has admitted to fatally beating Majors, told CID investigators he feared that inmate Majors and others would harm him. Preliminary investigation reveals no weapon was involved.

Majors was serving an 18 year sentence for Burglary of a Residence (Lamar County), Armed Robbery (Marion County) and Conspiracy (Sunflower County). Smith is serving a 2 year sentence for two counts of Grand Larceny from Itawamba County.

“Our initial investigation shows breaches in security occurred in order for Inmate Smith to be able to assault Inmate Majors,” Commissioner Christopher B. Epps said. “We will take the necessary disciplinary action upon completion of our investigation.”

The homicide occurred in what is considered maximum security at CMCF. The inmates were housed in single cells in section 6 of transient housing.

The incident is being investigated by the department’s Corrections Investigation Division. “What charges will be filed depends on the outcome of the investigation,” CID Director Sean K. Smith said.