Prosecutors To Seek Death Penalty In Cab Driver Murder

TUPELO (WCBI) – Bond is denied for a Tupelo man charged with capital murder in connection with the execution style shooting of a cab driver earlier this year.

GATES

Twenty three year old Leontay Gates is accused of shooting 55 year old Charles Williams on the evening of May 13th.

Williams was found by motorcyclists on Graham Drive.  He died a short time later.   His cab was found abandoned at a nearby park.

Gates was identified as the suspect and was on the run for several days before turning himself in.   During his time on the run, Gates is also accused of robbing a convenience store and stealing a car.

Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.  Gates pleaded not guilty to capital murder,  two robbery charges and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Gates was convicted of armed robbery of a Tupelo liquor store back in 2010.  He is being held at the Lee County Jail until his next court date in January.