State Court of Appeals upholds Jackson County man’s murder sentence

The Mississippi Court of Appeals has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence of a Jackson County man.

Thomas Pearson was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2021 shooting death of Jeffrey Summerlin in Vancleave.

Witnesses said the two men had argued throughout the day before Pearson shot Summerlin.

Pearson admitted to the shooting, but claimed he feared for his life.

Pearson appealed on several grounds, including evidence excluded from his trial, his 911 call, and a proposed stand your ground jury instruction.

The Court of Appeals found no error in Pearson’s conviction and trial, thereby affirming his conviction and life sentence.