Two charged with first-degree murder in Harrison County
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Sheriff Troy Peterson announced the arrest of 19-year-old Angel May Pierce and 24-year-old Jerry Cornelious Parkman charging them both with one count of 1st Degree Murder.
According to Sheriff Troy Peterson, Harrison County Sheriff’s Investigators were contacted by Investigators with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office on March 28, 2023 and advised about a missing person that had been reported through their agency on December 16, 2022.
Hinds County Investigators identified the missing person as 24-year-old Cody Smith of Byram, MS. Hinds County Investigators stated during the course of their investigation they determined that Cody Smith was last seen in Harrison County, Harrison County Investigators took over the investigation from Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and conducted numerous interviews which led them to a wooded area off of Elmer Ladner Road in Pass Christian on D Monday, April 3, 2023.
After an intensive search by Harrison County Investigators, Harrison Fire Rescue, Gulf Coast Search and Rescue and Long Beach CSI remains believed to be those of Smith were located.
Upon further investigation Harrison County Investigators determined that Angel Pierce and Jerry Parkman where responsible for the death of Smith. Arrest warrants were obtained and Pierce was taken into custody on the warrant by Harrison County Investigators at her residence without incident.
Jerry Parkman was served at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center due to Parkman being incarcerated on an unrelated charge. Harrison County Investigators are expecting more arrest to be made in this case
Angel Pierce and Jerry Parkman were booked into the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility and charged with 19 Degree Murder. Pierce and Parkman are being held with no bond pending their initial appearance set by Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner.
The investigation continues. Anyone who may have any information regarding this Homicide are asked to contact the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 228-897-1474
