A Jackson murder suspect has died in his jail cell.
Hinds County Sheriff reports that 18-year-old Mielun Butler was found unresponsive in his cell on Friday morning. Butler was promptly transported to Merit Health near I-20, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. The cause of death appears to be an assault.
The inmate was booked on Wednesday on a murder charge linked to a June 13 shooting on Rebel Woods Drive. Butler is accused of opening fire and killing 32-year-old Melvin Edwards, with Jackson police further alleging that 22-year-old Cameron Mitchell acted as an accomplice.
Butler appeared in court on Thursday and was given a $1 million bond. A video that had circulated social media seemingly indicated Butler was killed in retaliation for Edwards’ death, though Jones did not comment on the nature of the post.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is now handling the assessment of this case.
