Three Meridian men could face the death penalty

By Perry Robinson
WTOK

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Three Meridian men could face the possibility of a death sentence in connection to the shooting death of a confidential informant earlier this year.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says Aubrey Maurice Jordan, 26, Monroe L. Hughes, III a/k/a “Roe,” 39, and Cortez Lakeith Byrd a/k/a Byrd, 26, are charged and indicted with witness tampering resulting in death, drug trafficking and conspiracy.

If convicted, the three men could face a possible death sentence.

Anton Ford was identified by the Justice Department as a confidential source for the East Mississippi Drug Task Force. Ford was shot March 10th in the back of the neck outside of JR's Lounge.

Ford had previously participated in controlled buys on multiple occasions involving both Hughes and Byrd.

A trial is scheduled on Sept. 4, before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves.

Jordan was initially charged with attempted murder in connection to the shooting in March.

Ford was paralyzed but eventually died following medical complications, according to Lauderdale Coroner Clayton Cobbler.

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