Mississippi lawmakers want to crack down on armed carjackings and violent crimes
Legislation proposed to toughen penalties for those convicted
Updated: 4:10 PM CST Jan 26, 2023
Mississippi lawmakers want to crack down on armed carjackings after a series of violent incidents in the city of Jackson. “What we are saying in this state, and particularly in the Capital City, is violent offenses are out of control. Particularly in the car space,” Sen. Brice Wiggins said.This week, a 15-year-old charged with murder and capitol murder, is also accused of three carjackings. According to Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, right now, there are 81 carjacking cases pending in Jackson. “We want you and your moms and your dads and our people, our individuals to be able to be safe when they get into their car and they get out at Kroger with groceries,” Hosemann said.”Here in the metro area, it has become a real problem,” Sen. Joey Fillingane said. “But it’s problematic all over the state. It’s not just the metro area. Crime statistics will bear this out.”Senate Bill 2101 doubles the minimum sentence for an armed carjacking conviction from five years to 10 years. Senate Bill 2099 makes voter vehicle theft a felony with a fine of up to $10,000, with a prison sentence between five years and 20 years.Hosemann said when he was secretary of state a few years ago, someone stole his locked pickup truck from his driveway in Jackson. The vehicle was recovered about two months later and police said it had been used in robberies.”As these crimes have become more prevalent, it’s time for all of our citizens to address taking these individuals off the streets,” Hosemann said.Senators also want to increase the maximum sentence for stolen property in the case of a motor vehicle with a maximum of 20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine.
Mississippi lawmakers want to crack down on armed carjackings after a series of violent incidents in the city of Jackson.
“What we are saying in this state, and particularly in the Capital City, is violent offenses are out of control. Particularly in the car space,” Sen. Brice Wiggins said.
This week, a 15-year-old charged with murder and capitol murder, is also accused of three carjackings.
According to Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, right now, there are 81 carjacking cases pending in Jackson.
“We want you and your moms and your dads and our people, our individuals to be able to be safe when they get into their car and they get out at Kroger with groceries,” Hosemann said.
“Here in the metro area, it has become a real problem,” Sen. Joey Fillingane said. “But it’s problematic all over the state. It’s not just the metro area. Crime statistics will bear this out.”
Senate Bill 2101 doubles the minimum sentence for an armed carjacking conviction from five years to 10 years. Senate Bill 2099 makes voter vehicle theft a felony with a fine of up to $10,000, with a prison sentence between five years and 20 years.
Hosemann said when he was secretary of state a few years ago, someone stole his locked pickup truck from his driveway in Jackson. The vehicle was recovered about two months later and police said it had been used in robberies.
“As these crimes have become more prevalent, it’s time for all of our citizens to address taking these individuals off the streets,” Hosemann said.
Senators also want to increase the maximum sentence for stolen property in the case of a motor vehicle with a maximum of 20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine.
