Shooting Rocks Reservation Community: Trio Pleads Guilty to Reservation Murder
Jackson, Miss. – A trio of individuals has brought shame to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Reservation, pleading guilty to their role in a heinous murder that shook the community in September 2023.
According to court documents, Michael Jeffrey Shaffer, Sr., 48, and Montero Ray Willis, 22, used a firearm to shoot and kill a tribal member in the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Reservation. Deyonkia Alice Willis, 30, acted as an accessory after the fact to the murder.
The defendants, who were indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023, face severe consequences for their actions. Michael Jeffrey Shaffer, Sr., and Montero Ray Willis both face up to life in prison for murder in the second degree, while Deyonkia Alice Willis faces up to 15 years in prison.
A federal district judge will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The defendants will be sentenced at a later date to be determined by the court.
The investigation into this tragic event was led by the Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Tribal Initiative.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods Tribal Initiative aims to identify and address violent crime issues in local communities by bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community partners to develop comprehensive solutions.
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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