HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – The man charged with killing his wife in Hinds County was found guilty by a jury on September 8, 2025. The jury found Michael Owens guilty of first-degree murder and third-degree arson.

Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Faye Peterson sentenced Michael Owens to life in prison on the first-degree murder charge and three years on the third-degree arson charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Closing arguments in the Owens trial were presented to the jury on September 8, 2025, before they started to deliberate.

Prosecutors laid out graphic evidence on September 5, 2025, against Michael Owens, who is accused of killing his wife, Ebony, in March 2023.

Investigators said they recovered blood on a bridge that matched Ebony Owens’ DNA, as well as shell casings. Authorities also discovered her burned car with a gas can nearby.

According to authorities, rifles and magazines were seized from the couple’s home, along with a bloody blanket and clothing. The items were entered into evidence.

The prosecution rested their case on Friday, and the defense began to present their case. Michael Owens was called to the stand. During his testimony, Michael Owens told the court why he became angry at his wife.

“When I entered into my room, I opened the door and turned the light on. I seen another dude in my house, where was he… He was in the bed with my wife. Both of them were naked. So, when I seen that, it just did something to me,” he said.

Michael Owens pled not guilty to the charges.

Ebony Owens was reported missing by her family on March 15, 2023. Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said her car was found in the area of Old Highway 80 and Jones Road.

After multiple days of searching, Ebony Owens’ body was found in the Big Black River on March 25, 2023. Michael Owens was later arrested in connection to the case.