Current:Home > InvestMississippi court affirms conviction in the killing of a man whose body was found in a freezer -LegacyBuild Academy
Mississippi court affirms conviction in the killing of a man whose body was found in a freezer
View
Date:2025-04-15 21:53:49
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Court of Appeals has affirmed a woman’s conviction in the death of a man whose body was found stuffed into a freezer at his home.
In a unanimous decision Tuesday, the 10-member court also affirmed the sentences received by Samantha Simmons — life in prison for conviction on the murder charge in the killing of 54-year-old Thomas Burns, plus 20 years for conviction on a charge of receiving stolen property.
A Lamar County jury convicted Simmons in August 2022.
Burns’ body was found in a freezer in his home in Purvis in May 2018. Court records show Simmons had started dating Burns early that year, and she was living with him in his home.
The state medical examiner found zip ties around Burns’ neck, wrists and ankles, a belt around his legs and a trash bag over his head. An autopsy showed Burns died from either strangulation from the zip tie around his neck or “environmental/positional asphyxia” from being put in a freezer with a bag over his head.
According to court records, investigators found that Simmons had a key to a padlock that was on the freezer where Burns’ body was discovered by neighbors and his brother who checked his house after not seeing him for months. Court records also showed that tests run by the Mississippi crime laboratory found Simmons’ DNA on the zip ties.
Simmons argued that the DNA on the zip ties did not prove she killed Burns. But an analyst testified that the amount of DNA on the zip ties would be unusual for someone who just handled the items.
“This testimony, coupled with the DNA evidence, could lead a reasonable juror to conclude that Simmons killed (Burns),” the Court of Appeals wrote.
A witness testified that Simmons had contacted his wife about trying to sell some of Burns’ belongings.
veryGood! (6)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Can I afford college? High tuition costs squeeze out middle-class students like me.
- 'Deadpool & Wolverine' is a blast, but it doesn't mean the MCU is back
- Can dogs eat grapes? Know which human foods are safe, toxic for your furry friends.
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- An 'asymmetrical' butt? Why Lululemon pulled its new leggings off shelves
- Who will host 'Pop Culture Jeopardy!' spinoff? The answer is...
- Tesla was in full self-driving mode when it fatally hit Seattle-area motorcyclist: Police
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- USA Women's Basketball vs. Belgium live updates: TV, time and more from Olympics
Ranking
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Cardi B files for divorce from Offset, posts she’s pregnant with their third child on Instagram
- Olympian Katie Ledecky Has Become a Swimming Legend—But Don’t Tell Her That
- Powerball winning numbers for July 31 drawing: Jackpot at $171 million
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- USA Women's Basketball vs. Belgium live updates: TV, time and more from Olympics
- Paris Olympics: Simone Biles, Team USA gymnastics draw record numbers for NBC
- Pucker Up, Lipstick Addicts! These 40% Off Deals Are Selling Out Fast: Fenty Beauty, Too Faced & More
Recommendation
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
What is August's birthstone? There's actually three. Get to know the month's gems.
You're likely paying way more for orange juice: Here's why, and what's being done about it
Dwyane Wade's Olympic broadcasts showing he could be future of NBC hoops
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024 Workwear Deals: Office-Ready Styles from Steve Madden, SPANX & More
Bruce Willis and Wife Emma Heming's Daughters Look So Grown Up in New Video
Sonya Massey's mother called 911 day before shooting: 'I don't want you guys to hurt her'