Oxford prosecutor handled the case

Mario Kirkwood, a Southaven man responsible for the shooting death of Keon Kirk on May 26, 2023, was convicted in Desoto County Thursday, according to DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton.

Kirkwood pled guilty to second-degree murder and armed robbery.

Kirkwood was sentenced to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, with an additional 15 years for armed robbery, to be served consecutively. After serving his time, he will be subject to 15 years of post-release supervision, bringing his total sentence to 55 years to serve in Mississippi Prison.

The case was handled by Assistant District Attorney Steven Jubera, an Oxford resident who served as an assistant district attorney for the 17^th Judicial Circuit for 15 years. The 17^th Judicial Circuit includes Panola, Yalobusha and Tate counties.

Jubera emphasized the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions.

“This case highlights the devastating impact of violent crime on a community,” Jubera said. “While no sentence can bring Keon back, we hope this conviction offers a sense of justice to his family and sends a strong message that violent criminals will be held accountable in DeSoto County.”

The investigation revealed that Kirkwood, alongside a juvenile accomplice, lured Keon Kirk into a robbery disguised as a meeting, which escalated into a fatal shooting.

Marcus Walker, a minor, and Jerry Hawkins Jr. were convicted for their roles as accessories to the crime. Walker, who was just 15 at the time, was sentenced to probation after serving time in a juvenile detention facility, while Hawkins received a five-year prison sentence.