Kennard Raymond Nichols was sentenced to life in prison on Monday after being found guilty of first-degree murder by a Newton County jury in connection with the killing of Donzell McDonald in 2019.
Nichols was initially tried and found guilty of first-degree murder by a Newton County jury in December of 2021, however the Mississippi Court of Appeals reversed the decision in 2023 and directed a new trial that included a Castle Doctrine jury instruction.
Nichols’ second trial took place on Aug. 12 and 13. After 40 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on first-degree murder.
After the trial, Assistant District Attorney Mitchell Thomas said that they were glad that they were able to bring closure to the McDonald family.
On the evening Oct. 2, 2019, Newton County Sheriff deputies responded to the 3600 block of Pine Bluff Road for a call of a domestic disturbance with shots fired. Upon arrival, deputies found the unarmed McDonald deceased in his vehicle, parked in the defendant’s driveway, with gunshots to the back of the head and side of face. Arrested at the scene, Nichols admitted to the shooting, but claimed self-defense.
