An Adams County murder case has reached its conclusion, with three men found guilty and sentenced to consecutive life terms for the 2023 shooting deaths of Brandon Brooks and Taron Woods. City and county leaders say the verdict brings justice for the victims’ families and marks an important step for public safety in Natchez and Adams County.
After deliberating for less than two hours, a jury in Adams County Sixth District Circuit Court returned guilty verdicts Saturday for Jamarion “Jamari” Perkins, Jadarrius J. McKnight, and Emanuel Hill (also referred to as Emanuel Hall). Sixth District Circuit Court Judge Carmen Brooks Drake sentenced each man to two life sentences to run consecutively on two counts of first-degree murder. The charges stem from the shooting deaths of Brooks and Woods on Aug. 10, 2023.
Mayor Dan Gibson issued a statement following the verdict, emphasizing both relief and gratitude.
“Today, three murderers are no longer a threat to our citizens,” Gibson said. “An Adams County murder case has been solved, and the perpetrators brought to justice. All three have been found guilty and sentenced to two life terms each.”
Sentencing came after a disturbance in the courtroom. According to reporting from The Natchez Democrat, Perkins and McKnight interrupted proceedings while the judge and victims’ families were speaking.
McKnight was first heard accusing Judge Drake of favoritism, saying, “You related to them people.” Drake ordered him removed from the courtroom and said he should return later “with tape over his mouth.”
Perkins later interjected while Woods’ mother was delivering an emotional statement describing her son’s character and expressing her grief. From the balcony, a woman also called out “I love you Mari” as authorities escorted Perkins out.
Sheriff Travis Patten responded to the interruption, pointing and ordering the woman removed as well. He warned the courtroom that any further interruptions would result in jail time.
Despite the disruptions, sentencing proceeded, and Drake imposed the maximum penalty allowed under the law.
The trial centered on what attorneys described as a circumstantial case, with no DNA evidence directly linking the three defendants to the killings. Prosecutors relied on witness testimony, physical evidence recovered from a vehicle, and surveillance footage shown in court.
A key witness for the prosecution testified that he was tasked by the defendants with hiding and destroying a black Infiniti used in the murders. The witness’s testimony implicated himself, but he told deputies the car had not been destroyed. Authorities later located it where the witness said it would be, with guns and other evidence inside.
To explain the role of circumstantial evidence to jurors, District Attorney Tim Cotton used a demonstration during closing arguments. He stepped outside the courtroom and shut the door behind him. Moments later, a loud knock broke the silence. Cotton re-entered and asked the jury whether they could say with absolute certainty that he had knocked, adding that while they could not know it “absolutely,” circumstances clearly pointed to that conclusion.
Defense attorneys argued the state had not proven guilt with absolute certainty and therefore the defendants “must” be found not guilty. Cotton countered by pointing jurors back to the court’s instructions.
“I’m not going to tell you what you must do,” he said. “I’m simply going to remind you of the court’s instructions. … Use the common sense that God gave you based on your everyday experience when weighing evidence and determining the credibility of witnesses.”
In the trial, jurors viewed surveillance footage showing three men dressed in black, wearing full face coverings and gloves, and carrying AR-15 rifles. The video captured the shooting of Brooks and Woods.
Testimony in court stated that roughly 55 rounds were fired. Assistant District Attorney Larry Baker described the scene as a “war zone.” He told the court that only moments before the attack, Woods and Brooks were standing together calmly, “doing nothing,” when they were suddenly ambushed.
In his statement, Mayor Gibson praised the agencies and individuals he said made the outcome possible.
He first thanked Sheriff Travis Patten and his department for what he described as exceptionally strong investigative work. Gibson also highlighted District Attorney Tim Cotton and his staff, saying they “never gave up” and built a strategy that ensured justice.
Gibson also recognized the witnesses who testified despite threats and intimidation, calling their action a model of civic courage. He described the jurors as heroes for serving and reaching a verdict in a difficult case. And he credited Judge Carmen Drake for applying the harshest sentences available.
“She, too, has shown great courage and is to be commended for her leadership in bringing about justice for the victims of this heinous crime,” Gibson said.
Gibson ended his remarks by expressing hope for the victims’ families and offering a prayerful message for everyone affected.
“My prayer is now that the families of the young men who were murdered will have closure and healing,” he said. “May God comfort them and allow them to move forward in peace.”
He added that he also prays for the three convicted men and their families, asking that they find repentance and peace.
With the verdict now in place, city leaders say the result brings accountability for the deaths of Woods and Brooks and closes one of Adams County’s most closely watched criminal cases in recent years.
The Natchez Democrat first reported on this story. To view their story, click here
