Mississippi prison killing leaves mother with no answers after 5 years

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A collaborative investigation found that out of 42 homicides in Mississippi prisons over the past decade, only six resulted in convictions.

Denorris Howell was strangled to death at the Mississippi State Penitentiary during a 2020 gang war, but no one was charged in his killing.

A U.S. Department of Justice report blamed the violence on systemic failures, including inadequate staffing, uncontrolled gang activity, and insufficient security.

Despite initial reforms, prison violence is rising again, with 2025 marking the deadliest year for homicides since 2021.

This article is first in a series of a reporting collaboration by The Marshall Project - Jackson , Mississippi Today , Clarion Ledger , Hattiesburg American and The Mississippi Link.

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