Fletcher gets life without parole

A Marshall County jury last week found Joshua Lee Fletcher guilty of capital murder in the killing of Samuel Deward Smith at Chewalla Lake four years ago.

Circuit court judge Kelly Luther sentenced Fletcher to life imprisonment without parole after first finding him a habitual offender.

The family of Samuel Smith, whose body was found in shallow water near the bank by two fishermen July 29, 2017, shed tears upon hearing the verdict. Samuel Smith’s mother, Beth, thanked jurors as they filed out of the jury box prior to Fletcher’s sentencing.

Fletcher took Smith’s pickup and his dog Khava on a long drive south after the murder at the lake.

Smith’s canine companion, that he rescued from a park in Arkansas, was later found by a motorist driving on I-55. The “Good Samaritan” took Khava to the Winona Animal Hospital, where she was cared for until the family was located and arrived.

Tired of running, Fletcher surrendered to authorities in Humphreys County in November 2017 and made a jailhouse confession before Sheriff Kenny Dickerson in what the sheriff said was a prayer for forgiveness.

At sentencing, Fletcher stood in handcuffs and ankle irons showing little emotion.

He swayed his body from side to side while Judge Luther read out his sentence.

The trial began Monday, July 19, and concluded following summary statements Wednesday morning, July 21, around 10:30. The jury returned its verdict at 12 p.m.

The Smith family and prosecutors offered these comments following Fletcher’s sentencing.

District attorney Ben Creekmore expressed gratitude to the jury for its service and verdict.

“The Smith family has been gracious and patient with this process and we are relieved for them that this part is over,” Creekmore said after Fletcher was led out of the courtroom.

“We are grateful for the investigators and citizens who made personal sacrifices to resolve this matter.” Dale Smith, Samuel’s father, also expressed gratitude to Marshall County for bringing this case to a successful close and verdict. He said the legal part is over.

“But, it will never be over,” he said.

He asked his wife, Beth, to provide an interview as a followup as the group moved outside for a picture with Khava in front of the courthouse, north side.

Beth Smith wrote her response.

“First and foremost, the entire Smith family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Maj. Kelly McMillen for walking through these four years with us, beginning with the first phone call to inform us of Samuel’s death, to every birthday and holiday he remembered and checked on us by phone, to this trial. No words can describe what he has meant to us.

“We could never thank the community of Holly Springs enough for their love and support of our family. Thank you, jurors, for your bravery and courage in bringing justice for our Samuel.

“You have an amazing D.A. In Ben Creekmore and in an incredible assistant D.A. Christine Tatum and many wonderful citizens who helped house us, search for Khava, and just love and comfort us.

“Dale, our son Ray, and our girls Rachel, Esther and Sarah, and last of all, Khava, are forever grateful for you all. And most of all we are thankful for our Samuel who has made our lives richer and fuller because he was in it.”

McMillen offered appreciation for all persons and agencies who provided assistance to bring this investigation to a close.

“I thank Grant Parish Sheriff’s Department in Louisiana, agents with Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Search and Rescue teams for Marshall County, and other volunteers who assisted in the investigation into the death of Samuel Smith,” he said. “I also thank the jurors who served in this trial who returned a guilty verdict.

“Without everyone’s assistance this case wouldn’t have been as successful as it was.” There are several unsolved homicides in Marshall County, and tips are needed to solve these cases, McMillen said.

Two murder trials were successfully prosecuted in the last two months, he said.

“Our condolences go out to the families of DeAndre Jones and Samuel Smith,” McMillen said. “Solved cases bring much relief for the loved ones of those who have been killed in Marshall County.”