Jeremy Wayne Cupstid, of Brookhaven, is scheduled to stand trial for second degree murder Aug. 8 before Lincoln County Circuit Judge David Strong.

Cupstid is charged with murdering his girlfriend, Tara Ashley Hudson, 32, on Nov. 30, 2015.

Cupstid, 28 at the time of his arrest, was accused of striking Hudson with a blunt object. Although the indictment handed down by the grand jury suggested the act was not premeditated, it did ultimately lead to Hudson’s death.

Cupstid faces 20 years to life in prison, if convicted.

Helen Jean Mercier, former treasurer of the Bogue Chitto Volunteer Fire Department, was accused in Sept. 2016 of taking funds from the fire department’s bank account to pay her personal debts. Mercier, wife of former Bogue Chitto VFD Fire Chief Sedgie Mercier, was arrested and charged with embezzlement.

According to court records, Dr. Mark Webb performed a psychiatric evaluation and at a competency hearing held in October, Mercier was declared competent to stand trial.

Trial was originally set for Feb. 14 before being rescheduled to May 9. Mercier is set to appear for trial before Strong on Aug. 8.

Todd Williamson will appear before Strong on Aug. 3 for an omnibus hearing on charges of telephone harassment — his third offense.  His trial is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Kelvin Devon Reed will also appear on Aug. 3 for an omnibus hearing before Strong, on charges of false pretense. Trial is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Devin Barlow has the same dates scheduled for omnibus hearing and trial, on charges of possession of firearm by a felon.

Randy Allan Horton’s case on three counts of welfare fraud was continued in February, and will come up for a status report on Aug. 3.

Brandon Graves’ case was continued in May, with a status report scheduled for Aug. 3 on charges of failure to support minor children.

Kristi L. Brister is scheduled to appear for trial before Strong on Aug. 8 for failure to support minor children. In May, Brister was granted her last continuance, according to Strong.

Rashan D. Smith is set for trial in circuit court Aug. 8 for attempted grand larceny and aggravated domestic violence.

William Lee Wallace’s trial is scheduled for Aug. 8 on charges of burglary of a truck by a habitual criminal, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon/habitual criminal.

Alana Collette Russell’s trial for accessory after the fact to burglary is set for Aug. 8.

Thad Tibbs is scheduled to appear before Strong for trial on charges of uttering forgery on Aug. 8.