A Pike County man was found guilty in a jury trial of the murder of a Magnolia man.

On Feb. 23, 2022, Magnolia Police officers found Deshauntrell Cole with multiple gunshot wounds. An investigation resulted in two eyewitnesses testifying that Sedric D. Elzie had shot the victim.

On March 26, 2025, in Pike County Circuit Court, Elzie was found guilty of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge David Strong sentenced Elzie to life imprisonment in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, plus 10 years, to run consecutively. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Brendon Adams and Assistant DA Timothy Jones.

“I want to thank all those that showed up and were willing to serve on this jury,” said Adams. “Our jury system is such an important function in our justice system. This was an example of a person taking another person’s life in cold blood.”

Adams said the crime was a classic example of senseless violence.

“We will continue to hold those that break the law accountable for their actions, and seek justice for the victims of these crimes. My heart goes out to the family of the victim,” said Adams. “Today was a day when Elzie was held accountable for his actions. We will never be able to bring Deshauntrell back, but at least justice has been served.”

The attorney said the sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone who believes gun violence is acceptable, and those who commit murder will be dealt with as harshly as the law permits.

“I want to thank the Magnolia Police Department and Pike County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and dedication, as well as other investigators and witnesses for their hard work and dedication in seeking justice and accountability in this case,” Adams said.