JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A man was sentenced in connection to a deadly robbery in Jackson.

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens said Le’Andrew Williams, 19, was found guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 35 years to serve, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

The incident occurred on May 16, 2022. Police said the victim, 49-year-old Jimmie Lee Pierce, Jr., was sitting outside of his residence at Northwest Plaza Apartments on North West Street when he was approached by Williams, who was 15 at the time of the incident.

Before the shooting, Owens said Williams had gone through his mother’s phone and discovered explicit messages between her and Pierce, who was in a relationship with Williams’ mother. Investigators said Williams, who was upset by what he saw, recruited his brother and uncle to help him confront the victim. They planned to rob Pierce at his apartment.

During the attempted robbery, police said Williams shot the victim twice with a 9mm handgun. Pierce was transported to a local hospital and later died from his injuries.