Sumrall & Welch, PLLC Criminal Defense Case Results
Rankin Man Facing 1st Degree Murder Charge
Reversal in Court of Appeals
On September 10, 2024, the Mississippi Court of Appeals reversed the revocation of Randy Bell. Bell had previously pled guilty in 2014 to Aggravated Assault and was sentenced to 20 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections with 5 to serve. While on probation, a warrant was issued for his arrest in May of 2023. The prosecutor who handled his plea was elected Judge and as Judge, revoked his suspended time and sentenced him to serve his suspended time in prison. Bell hired Sumrall & Welch to appeal the revocation and the Court of Appeals reversed his revocation sentence. Opinion
Second Degree Murder Charge Dismissed
Anthony Alexander was indicted for Second Degree Murder on October 13, 2022, in Pike County, Mississippi. Through counsel, he immediately demanded a speedy trial. Again, through counsel, he demanded that his case be tried first in the May 2023 Term of Court. When the case was called, Alexander announced he was ready for trial, but the State requested a continuance. Alexander objected and moved to have the case dismissed for lack of a speedy trial. Rather than have the Court potentially dismiss the case, the State moved to dismiss it on May 15, 2023. Alexander was immediately freed. He was defended by Toby Welch.
Not Guilty On Trafficking In Pike County
Hadie Varnado was indicted for trafficking more than 30 grams of Methamphetamine on June 5, 2020, in Pike County, Mississippi. His trial commenced on April 15, 2021 in Magnolia, Mississippi. After approximately 15 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. He was defended by Toby Welch.
Not Guilty On 1st Degree Murder In Madison County
Guy Wesley Creel was indicted for 1st Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in November of 2018. His case was tried over March 9-10 in Canton. After 2 hours of deliberation, Creel was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon but acquitted as to 1st Degree and 2nd Degree Murder. He was defended by Sumrall & Welch with Toby Welch lead trial counsel.
Directed Verdict In Pike County
Willie Roberts was indicted in May of 2019 by a Pike County Grand Jury for DUI 4th. His trial was held on January 10, 2020. After approximately 20 minutes of testimony, the Court granted his Directed Verdict. His trial counsel was Toby Welch.
Not Guilty In Pike County
A Pike County Grand Jury indicted Arlaundris Jones in May of 2019 for Armed Robbery. He was defended by Sumrall & Welch. The trial was held on January 8-9, 2020. After approximately 45 minutes of deliberation, the jury acquited Jones of Armed Robbery. Toby Welch was his trial counsel.
Not Guilty In Rankin County
Paul Lee Phillips was indicted in October of 2018 for Felonious Child Abuse in Rankin County, Mississippi. A trial was held on June 4, 2019, where a jury deliberated for less than an hour finding Mr. Phillips not guilty. Phillips was defended by Sumrall & Welch.
Another Victory In Hinds County
Quantas Turner was indicted as a 99-19-83 habitual offender for aggravated assault on July 25, 2018. He was represented by Sumrall & Welch, and was found not guilty by a Hinds County jury on May 7, 2019.
Two Victories In Pike County
On June 8, 2018, Circuit Judge Michael Taylor granted a Motion to Dismiss for Double Jeopardy in State v. William Martin. On the same day, Judge Taylor granted Jahadd Allen’s Motion for New Trial. Allen had been convicted of four counts of Armed Robbery, but due to discovery violations, the Court granted Allen a new trial.