Leesa Gray’s best friend: “I want to be there for her”

Lisa Darracott says justice is finally being served after 22 years

ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Family and friends of Leesa Gray said they have waited a long time for justice. Lisa Darracott vividly remembers her first day of Kindergarten, when she met Leesa Gray. “I remember clinging to my mom, not wanting her to leave and she kind of drug me over to this other girl and said, ‘look, there’s…

Long-serving board member of Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers retires

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Today at the Clay County Courthouse elected law enforcement celebrated Billy Pickens’ retirement. Pickens was a part of the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers Board for over 30 years. Sheriff Eddie Scott said Pickens held a lot of responsibility while on the job and helped build up the organization to what it is today. Scott said…

WCBI and Vitalant will host blood drive Thursday, Friday

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – In this season of giving, you can give someone the gift of life through a blood donation. WCBI will host a blood drive with “Vitalant” Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Vitalant will be parked in front of the WCBI studios on 5th Street in downtown Columbus on both days. When you donate, you’ll…

Thomas Loden scheduled for execution later this evening, December 14

SUNFLOWER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A north Mississippi man is set to become the second Death Row inmate executed in 10 years. Thomas Edwin “Eddie” Loden is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at Parchman this evening. Loden pleaded guilty to Capital Murder, Rape, and four counts of Sexual Battery in the death of 16-year-old Leesa Marie Gray. Loden kidnapped…

Grenada Police ask for public’s help locating missing man

GRENADA, Miss. (WCBI) – Grenada Police and the family of a missing man are asking for the public’s help in finding him. Corey Riley was last seen Sunday, December 4 at a home on Van Dorn Street in Grenada. According to his sister, Riley left the home at 2 p.m. to go to the store and hasn’t been seen since….

Lowndes County investigators identify suspect in murder case

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – We are learning new information about the deadly shooting in Lowndes County and the man wanted for murder. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Julius Wilson. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said deputies are looking for 21-year-old Bobby Childs Jr. Investigators believe he could be driving a grey or gold Ford Crown Victoria. The Mississippi license…

Lee County students get hands-on training, experience for their future

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lee County high school students are getting hands-on training and experience for their future, all under one roof. The district’s “Career and Technical Center” opened one year ago, and the center is helping students envision their future career paths. Students in this Health Science class are learning how to check someone’s pulse and they’re doing…

Fans in Columbus show outpouring support for Leach Family

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Across Highway 82 in Columbus, there is an outpouring of support here for the Leach family and the MSU family. Coach Mike Leach made his impact on people in the friendly city and to many, he really was a friend. “Coach Leach has left a legacy that will be hard to beat. He was a man…

Fans in Tupelo express their thoughts on Coach Leach

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – We spoke with people in Lee County to get their thoughts and feelings about the memory of Mike Leach. “I feel like they need to dedicate this game to him, because since he passed unexpectedly. It would be a good way to honor him and also give them a reason to go harder,” said Jayven Traylor…

SPECIAL REPORT: Remembering the legacy of Mike Leach

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – WCBI Anchor Scott Martin and News Director Joey Barnes delivered the special report on the death of Mississippi State University’s head football coach, Mike Leach. Leach died Monday, December 12 at the age of 61. For 24/7 news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter Categories: Featured, Local News

Two women arrested accused of helping man hide from law enforcement

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Two women are accused of helping a man hide from the law after a shooting and armed robbery. Krystal Murphy and Jada Weeks are both charged with two counts of accessory after the fact of aggravated assault and armed robbery. Prosecutors alleged the women helped Ian Bradford avoid arrest in October and November of 2021….

WCBI hosting two-day blood drive event with Vitalant

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – In this season of giving, you can give someone the gift of life through a blood donation. WCBI will host a blood drive with “Vitalant” Thursday and Friday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm Vitalant will be parked in front of the WCBI studios on 5th Street in downtown Columbus on both days. When you donate, you will…

Noxubee County Sheriff’s Department searches for wanted man

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Noxubee County man is in trouble with the sheriff’s department. Investigators are looking for Clint Earvin, Sr. Noxubee County Sheriff Tommy Roby said Earvin is wanted on two counts of grand larceny. That is basically stealing items that add up to felony charges. Brooksville Police are also on the lookout for Earvin. In addition,…

Pontotoc voters will decide if they want Medical Cannabis dispensaries

PONTOTOC, Miss. (WCBI) – Voters in Pontotoc are heading to the polls this week to decide if they want Medical Cannabis dispensaries or grow operations in the area. When Medical Cannabis became legal in Mississippi local governments were allowed to opt-out. The city and county voted to do so. But there is also a provision in the law that allows…

MUW will offer new scholarship to qualifying boy, girl scouts

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi University for Women is scouting for scholars. The W announced a new scholarship for Boy Scout Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold Award recipients. Students who have earned those distinctions in their organizations are now eligible for a $1,000 per year scholarship at the university. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but…

South Lowndes Water Association issues boil water notice

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Some people in Lowndes County need to boil their water. People living east of 45 Penn Station Road, north and south of Penn Station Road, and those on the east side of Highway 45 alternate need to boil their water. This is for people who are on the South Lowndes Water Association. Boil your water…

MSU officials announce head coach Mike Leach dies at age 61

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach died Monday evening following complications from a heart condition. He was 61.  Leach suffered a personal health issue at his home early on Sunday. The issue led to a decision to transfer Leach to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson by ambulance. The Leach family released the following…