We must do better than ‘I don’t know’
Editor Don Whitten writes about the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., and points out that we, as a society, still haven’t come up with the answers that will help prevent such senseless killings. That, Whitten writes, cannot continue to be an acceptable response. (December 17, 2012, Page 4A)
Class helps family members of mentally ill
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Mississippi is hosting a 12-week free Family to Family Education Program for caretakers, loved ones and family of those living with mental illness. To register, call 800-357-0388. (February 14, 2012, Page 3)
Jail must adapt for mentally ill
Lafayette County must make mandatory changes to its detention center to better accommodate the mentally ill or face paying $15,000 for every person it must send out of county to be held before a bed opens at a state hospital. (July 8, 2011, Page 1A)
Autry pleads guilty
Bilethon Autry pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault on law enforcement officers for shooting and killing his brother during a three-hour standoff with police in September 2009 in the Grand Oaks subdivision. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for manslaughter with six years suspended and an additional 15 years for shooting at police. He will serve 24 years before being released. (April 21, 2011, Page 1)
Autry gets new lawyer
A man accused of shooting and killing his brother and holding his father hostage for several hours was given a new attorney and more time before heading for trial during a hearing on Friday at the Lafayette County Courthouse.
Bilethon Autry’s trial was continued Friday by Circuit Court Judge Andrew Howorth until the April court term to allow more time for his new attorney to prepare his case. (January 17, 2011, Page 1)
