JPD arrests two in Beasley Road double homicide

Jackson Police Department said the Robbery/Homicide Unit responded on June 12, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m. to a double homicide and an aggravated assault in the 400 block of Beasley Road. Two male victims, 24-year-old Meshard Johnson and 22-year-old Gary Wilson, were pronounced dead at the scene, the JPD said in a Facebook post.

Following a thorough investigation, the JPD said detectives obtained warrants for two suspects identified as Justin Ross and 27-year-old James Avery Nichols. Ross was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder and aggravated assault, and he appeared in Municipal Court on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the department said.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the JPD said Nichols was arrested by U.S. Marshals on JPD warrants for two counts of capital murder and aggravated assault. His initial appearance was scheduled this morning in Municipal Court, the department said.

The Robbery/Homicide Unit typically handles investigations of violent crimes and suspicious deaths. Capital murder is a serious charge that carries severe penalties in many jurisdictions. Authorities did not release additional details about a possible motive or the current status of the investigation.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.