JACKSON, Miss. — A civil trial is set to begin next October for a man who was wrongfully arrested in connection with the shooting death of a Jackson State University student. Joshua Brown, who spent over three weeks in custody despite being innocent, will have his case heard in court, with U.S. District Judge Tom Lee presiding.
The trial is scheduled for October 6, 2024, and is anticipated to last between three to five days, with eight to twelve witnesses expected to testify. Brown’s legal troubles began with the arrest linked to the death of Jaylen Burns, a JSU student who was fatally shot on campus in October 2021. The incident allegedly involved members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Brown shortly after witnesses described him as the shooter.
Upon his arrest, Brown faced charges of murder and possessing a weapon on school property. He remained in the Hinds County Detention Center until November 2023 when an investigative report revealed he was not present in Jackson at the time of the incident. Subsequently, the charges were dismissed by a judge on December 1 of the same year.
In the months following his release, Brown’s mother initiated a lawsuit in federal court, claiming her son experienced severe emotional trauma and irrevocable damage to his reputation due to the false allegations. The suit named numerous defendants, but many have since been dismissed from the case. After a series of rulings, Judge Lee eliminated claims against key figures, including former Jackson State University President Dr. Elayne Hayes Anthony and the city of Jackson.
As of now, the remaining defendants include Jackson State University, the university’s campus police, and Detective Terrance Jackson, who arrested Brown. Lee previously characterized the lawsuit as lacking clarity, stating that Brown failed to provide sufficient details to support many of his claims. He noted deficiencies in outlining the roles of each defendant in the alleged misconduct.
Brown’s case centers on accusations of wrongful arrest and imprisonment, asserting that police lacked probable cause for his arrest. The plaintiff seeks a jury trial to address the injustices he claims to have suffered during and after his erroneous detention.
With renewed attention on the case, the upcoming trial may shed light on systemic issues related to police practices and the inviolability of the judicial process. As the court date approaches, the community remains focused on justice for all parties involved and the implications of the case on civil rights.