HERNANDO, Miss – Today, District Attorney Matthew Barton announced the conviction of Brandon Brinkley, 20, from Horn Lake, Mississippi. A jury unanimously found Brinkley guilty of Attempted First-Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery following a three-day trial that concluded on September 25, 2024.
“Today, we send a clear message,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “To victims: we stand with you. And to those who commit crimes in DeSoto County: you cannot escape justice. If you harm our community, you will face tough prosecutors who will show no leniency. We are going to hit you with everything we have.”
As alleged in documents and statements made in court, on June 14, 2023, Marco Gentry and Brandon Brinkley met with the victim at Dodge’s Chicken in Olive Branch to purchase marijuana. During this encounter, Marco inquired about buying a firearm. After the victim displayed the weapon, Marco exited the vehicle with it, while Brandon took the victim’s backpack, which contained marijuana. In response, the victim left his vehicle armed with a legally owned AR-15 pistol to create distance. Brandon then exited the vehicle on the same side, brandishing a handgun and shooting at the victim, who returned fire. After the exchange of gunfire, Marco and Brandon fled the scene but were quickly apprehended by Olive Branch police officers nearby.
A particularly notable aspect of this case was the jury’s decisiveness. After a short deliberation, the jury returned three guilty verdicts, highlighting the strength of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence and the gravity of Brandon’s violent crimes.
District Attorney Barton expressed deep appreciation for the efforts that led to this verdict, stating, “This outcome is a testament to the precision and dedication of our prosecution team, along with the strong collaboration with the Olive Branch Police Department. I want to recognize and commend those who worked tirelessly to bring this violent criminal to justice.”
The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorneys Drew Willcutt and Steven Jubera, with the investigation conducted by Lt. Ashley Holladay and the Olive Branch Police Department. Brinkley’s sentencing is scheduled for October 31st, 2024.
