Suspect charged in death of Park Avenue resident

An investigation into the death of a Park Avenue resident in Holly Springs has led to charging a suspect with murder, according to Sheriff Kenny Dickerson.

The investigation and charge in the homicide comes after a week of intense investigative efforts by the Marshall County Violent Crimes Task Force led by Dickerson and Lt. Col. Kelly McMillen.

Forensic evidence following the death of the victim showed that the victim sustained several gunshot wounds to the head as well as a severe laceration on the face, Dickerson said.

Dickerson said the suspect, Phenisha Vontae Johnson, 37, of the 100 block of Country Church Road, Lamar, was in taken into custody Sunday, December 7, and detained while the investigation continued.

Johnson was detained Sunday and held on outstanding warrants for failure to appear in Marshall County justice court. She made an initial appearance on the murder charge in justice court Friday, Dec. 13, Dickerson said.

The victim, Matthew Devon Lesure, 43, of the 100 block of West Park Avenue, Holly Springs, sustained several gunshots to the head, Dickerson said. A handgun and other evidence was recovered by Dickerson and McMillen at a location in Holly Springs, he said.

“The handgun is highly believed to be the weapon used by the suspect in the murder of the victim,” Dickerson said.

Justice court judge Mae Garrison ordered Johnson be held without bond at her initial appearance in justice court Friday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.. A preliminary hearing for Johnson has been set for Monday, Dec. 16 in justice court.