LAWRENCE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – The man accused of killing a Kansas City woman and burying her body in a shallow grave in Mississippi pled guilty to first-degree murder.

The Daily Leader reported Charles Sims, 57, entered the plea on August 25, 2025. He waived his right to an indictment before entering his plea. Judge Brad Touchstone sentenced Sims

to life in prison in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).

La’Datra Williams, a 26-year-old mother of four, vanished a couple of months ago, according to her family members.

Lawrence County Sheriff Ryan Everett said her body was discovered in a shallow grave on July 14. On August 15, the sheriff said the body was confirmed to be Williams.

Sims was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the case. Authorities said Sims led them to the location of Williams’ body. He was denied bond on July 22.

Williams’ family believes Sims did not act alone. Investigators said Sims and Williams were in the process of ended their relationship when she went missing.

According to authorities, Williams was one of several women romantically involved with Sims. He’s believed to have four to five partners and is the father of at least 22 children.

There are claims that Sims may be leading a secluded group with some sources referring to it as a cult. Everett said Sims’ property has compound-like features, but he stopped short of labeling it.