Trial dates set for 3 charged in Hattiesburg murder
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) – Three men accused in the 2014 murder of a Hattiesburg man will stand trial separately this fall.
Vernell Daven Miskell, V’Nell L. Miskell and Pedro Barbon Alvarez were arrested for the murder of 20-year-old Johnnie Cooper of Hattiesburg, whose body was found Sept. 11, 2014, in a drainage ditch at Timberton Softball Complex.
The Miskells and Alvarez each were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. ?V’Nell Miskell also was charged with automobile burglary.
A fourth suspect, Asia Nikera Craft, was charged with conspiracy and accessory after the fact of murder.
The Hattiesburg American reports they originally were scheduled to stand trial together.
Vernell Miskell will stand trial on Sept. 20. V’Nell Miskell’s trial is set for Sept. 27. Alvarez will stand trial Nov. 29. Craft’s trial date is set for Aug. 25.
