Former Alderman Pleads Guilty
Former Ripley alderman Lonnie Smith has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a 2010 shooting death.
Smith had been charged with capital murder in the death of Antrozon Wallace, but pleaded guilty Monday to manslaughter as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to 20 years with eight years suspended, meaning he’ll serve 12.
The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal said Smith resigned as alderman as part of the deal. He was in his first term.
Authorities say Wallace was shot several times after fighting with Smith over drugs. Not long after Wallace’s body was found near a rural road, Smith lost both hands in an electrical accident while working as a lineman for Tippah Electric Power Association.
Smith must pay restitution to Wallace’s family for burial expenses.
