The murder trial for the man accused of killing two people blocks away from Jackson’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March 2023 will begin on Tuesday.
Jordan Cummins was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection to the deaths of Joshua Spann, 27, and Auden Jubilee Simkins, 23. After the initial arrest, Cummins released a video bragging about the killings on social media while being held at the Raymond Detention Center.
“Free me, man,” Cummins said in the video. “You walk up on me, and I’m going to bust your [expletive]. It’s real, mean. I know it looks sweet, but [expletive] ain’t sweet, man. Two dead.”
The Florence native was released on a controversial $250,000 bond but was later arrested again for simple assault and had his bond revoked in February of this year for violating the terms of his release. Cummins claimed self-defense in his initial court appearance.
Authorities said Spann and Simkins were shot and killed around 1:00 p.m. near Jefferson Street on Saturday, March 25, 2023, during the Hal’s St. Patrick’s Parade. Cummins was arrested the same day. Cummins’ girlfriend, Jenny Lukens, was also arrested for hindering prosecution for her alleged role in the shootings.
Jury selection for the trial began on Monday, and opening statements in the trial are expected to begin on Tuesday.
