Feb. 20, 2025- A young man accused in the 2023 shooting death of another young man during a meetup at a Southaven apartment complex on Thursday entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison. DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced the sentencing during a news conference after the sentencing.
Mario Kirkwood, age 19 of Southaven, entered the guilty plea on charges of second-degree murder and armed robbery in court earlier Thursday. Kirkwood was accused in the death of Keon Kirk Jr. in late May 2023 during an attempted robbery at the Luxe apartment complex on Airways Blvd. in Southaven.
Assistant District Attorney Steven Jubera discusses the sentencing as District Attorney Matthew Barton looks on. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Prosecutors said Kirkwood, with a minor cousin identified as Marcus Walker, had planned to rob Kirk, who was shot along with another person who came with Kirk to meet with Kirkwood. Kirk’s companion was also shot but survived his wounds. Walker and another accomplice identified as Jerry Hawkins Jr. have also been sentenced for their roles in the incident. Hawkins did not participate in the murder but was charged as an accomplice.
DeSoto County District Attorney Barton pointed out the incident should not be considered an indication of a crime problem in that area, claiming it was an isolated incident. He also said both the shooter and victim knew each other.
“I would say that DeSoto County is a very safe place. We pride ourselves on being a safe place and a good community to raise a family,” Barton said. “I don’t think it’s a reflection on our community as a whole. It’s a reflection on him (Kirkwood) as an individual. He is the problem. I don’t think Southaven is.”
Assistant District Attorney Steven Jubera prosecuted the case and laid out the facts during the news conference, also complimenting prosecutors Drew Wilcox and Richard Williams for their work.
