Video: Trying to Solve a Cold Murder Case

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – One year ago a Columbus man was found dead on a West Point street.

Family members of 42 year old LeAndre “Poochie” Johnson still want to know who did it and why.

A year later, Johnson’s daughter Nyesha McClinton still hurts everyday.

The shooting on Brady Street also remains fresh on the mind of West Point Police Detective Albert Lee, who has been diligently going over records and evidence.

He admits, it’s been difficult.

“By seeing someone lying in the middle of the street in the shape that he was in. My main concern at that time was, could the murderer or murderers be somewhere in the vicinity. So first response was to cordon off all the area so that we could try and determine if the offenders may still be in the area,” said Lee.

The day was December 16th, 2011.

Detectives describe the scene as graphic when they found Johnson’s body.

Even though the case is getting colder each month, for Johnson’s family, it seems like only yesterday when they were struck with the unexpected tragedy.

“You never get used to it. You are always up at night worrying about it. Why did it happen, how could a person do it. Just never, just never get over it. You know, no matter how long its been,” said Teresa Edwards, Victim’s Counsin.

“Try to keep the family informed as much as I can, to let them know that this is not a case that I’m going to let go by the wayside. I’m very active on this case. And, we’re expecting to make an arrest,” said Lee.

A determined Detective Lee is not commenting on the type of weapon used or the possible motive.

Lee however did tell WCBI News, there are solid leads being followed in connection with the shooting.

Family members hope it doesn’t take another year to bring LeAndre’s killer to justice.

“I just would like to say whoever did it, I just ask the Lord to forgive them, have mercy on them. And that they would come forward so justice, so we can have some kind of peace. And justice can be served,” said Edwards.

Anyone with information in the case, no matter how large or small, should call West Point Police at 662-494-1244 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151.