The wife of convicted murderer Johnny Mack Brown will head to trial this fall in connection with the Ricky Saxton murder case.
The trial of Shontina Brown will begin in October in a Holmes County court after a change of venue was granted from Yazoo County on the grounds that the case received extensive media coverage.
District Attorney Akillie Malone-Oliver said Shontina Brown will head to court on capital murder, conspiracy and armed robbery charges.
Shontina Brown’s husband, Johnny Mack Brown, pleaded guilty last week to the killing and robbing of Ricky Saxton in the Nov. 13, 2013 slaying.
Johnny Mack Brown admitted in open court that he purchased a Tracphone and he, along with Shontina Brown, lured Saxton on a rural Yazoo County road under the pretext that they wanted to sell him a car.
“Once Saxton arrived, Johnny Mack Brown brandished a gun on Saxton in an effort to rob him, and Mr. Saxton began to run, begging him not to shoot him,” Malone-Oliver said. “Brown chased Saxton down and shot him approximately three times, with two shots to the back of his head. Brown agreed that he conspired to this robbery because they needed rent money.”
After murdering Saxton, Johnny Mack Brown took $600 from him before he and Shontina Brown left the murder scene.
Johnny Mack Brown was sentenced to 41 years in the custody in a state correctional facility on second degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“I am pleased that the family and community may finally receive some closure in the case,” Malone-Oliver said. “I am glad that Johnny Mack Brown admitted to his guilt in this matter.”
The exact date of Shontina Brown’s trial in October will be published by The Herald when it is determined.
