Gulfport man pleads guilty to domestic violence- kidnapping

Gulfport, MS – District Attorney, W. Crosby Parker announced today that 25-year-old Justice Deshawn Gray, of Gulfport, pled guilty to Kidnapping, Domestic Violence and Taking of a Motor Vehicle earlier this week.

Circuit Court Judge Christopher Schmidt sentenced Gray to serve twenty years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Gray had no prior criminal convictions.

The circumstances surrounding this case began the morning of October 7, 2021, when Gray and the victim, who were in a previous dating relationship, engaged in a verbal altercation regarding a cellphone while they were parked in the Save-A-Lot parking lot in Gulfport.

Gray then departed in the victim’s vehicle, while restraining and assaulting the victim inside the vehicle. Gulfport Police Department’s investigation revealed that Gray drove to his cousin’s house, and the victim attempted to flee; however, Gray grabbed the victim by the neck and forced her back into the vehicle. Neighbors witnessed the abduction and contacted police.

According to Assistant District Attorney Patti Simpson, who prosecuted the case, “Gray’s cousin drove the vehicle away, while Gray continued to assault the victim in the backseat of the vehicle. Once Gray’s cousin exited the car, the victim was given an opportunity to escape and sought help at a nearby by store.” Gulfport Police Department promptly responded, located the victim and her vehicle, and subsequently arrested Gray.

During the plea hearing, the victim described the numerous times Gray would contact her and appear at her house uninvited. She told the Court that she feared being alone in her home and feared Gray would catch her off guard and hurt her again. The victim testified that she feared losing her life.

Gray apologized to the victim.

Stacey Riley, Chief Executive Officer for The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, stated “holding offenders accountable for these egregious crimes is paramount in our effort to eliminate interpersonal violence from our community. Domestic violence is a crime against our citizens and should be taken seriously by all. If you or anyone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, please reach out to us at 228-436-3809 for help. No one should be alone in their efforts to get free from violence.”