Jackson Man Going To Prison For Depraved Heart Murder

Jackson, Miss.- Demonte Finch, 20, of Jackson, has been sentenced for depraved heart murder of a 15-year-old student at a Jackson high school, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.

Finch appeared Tuesday before Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill, Sr., and pleaded guilty to depraved heart murder.

Judge Weill sentenced Finch to 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with 20 years to serve day-for-day followed by five years of post-release supervision.

Destinee Ford, a 15-year-old freshman student, was killed outside a Jackson high school on the afternoon of Dec. 5, 2013, after classes had been dismissed for the day.

An investigation revealed that Ford was shot during a fight between students.

Finch and two other defendants were charged with her murder.

“We greatly appreciate the Jackson Police Department for making this arrest and the solid sentence by Judge Weill bringing this defendant to justice for the senseless murder of a 15-year-old girl,” said Attorney General Hood.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim’s family.”

The case was a joint investigation by Attorney General Investigators Perry Tate and Miller Faulk and the Jackson Police Department.

Prosecution was handled by Special Assistant Attorneys General Patrick Beasley and Alison O’Neal McMinn.

                       DEMONTE FINCH