Zimmerman sentenced to over 50 years after escape and crime spree

Photo: DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton addresses reporters during a news conference late Thursday afternoon, announcing the sentencing of Joshua Zimmerman. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

Aug. 8, 2025 – A fugitive whose dramatic escape from the DeSoto County Courthouse last year made national headlines has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for attempted murder — a crime he admitted to committing in Southaven in 2023.

Joshua Zimmerman, a Connecticut native with a long trail of violent offenses across multiple states, pleaded guilty Thursday in DeSoto County Circuit Court to attempted murder and felony escape. He was sentenced as a habitual offender to 50 years without the possibility of parole for the shooting and another five years for the courthouse escape. The sentences will run concurrently.

“This individual is not one of us,” DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said during a news conference. “He came to DeSoto County to hide and commit violent crimes. And we made sure he’ll never walk free again.”

Attempted Murder in Southaven

Zimmerman’s DeSoto County crimes began on Sept. 27, 2023, when he shot a Southaven resident in the neck and later dropped him off at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

According to Assistant District Attorney Gordon Shaw, Zimmerman told investigators he “shoots to kill” and waited an hour to see if Talley would die before bringing him to the hospital.

“He stated he muffled the first shot because he didn’t want to alert the neighbors,” Shaw said. “Thankfully, the victim survived and is still alive today.”

The investigation quickly identified Zimmerman through surveillance footage, and a tip from a witness who had seen him led to his capture two days later.

Courthouse Escape and Manhunt

While in custody awaiting trial, Zimmerman made national news on June 14, 2024, when he escaped from the DeSoto County Courthouse in Hernando just before a scheduled hearing.

Authorities offered differing accounts of how he got out. District Attorney Barton said Zimmerman changed into civilian clothes and walked out in street clothes. DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle, however, described him as leaving the courthouse in underwear, a T-shirt, and shower shoes through an unguarded door.

The escape sparked a massive manhunt, with a combined $20,000 reward being offered. Zimmerman was described as armed and dangerous, with distinctive tattoos on his neck and arms.

The search ended nearly two months later in August 2024, when Zimmerman was located after a 15-hour standoff at a seafood restaurant in Chicago, just blocks from the Democratic National Convention. Authorities said there was no connection to the event.

During the standoff, Zimmerman hid in the restaurant ceiling before finally surrendering. His recapture was credited to coordination among federal and local law enforcement and a tipster who received part of the $20,000 reward — paid with drug forfeiture funds, not taxpayer dollars, officials noted.

Cover-Up Allegations and Fallout

After the escape, surveillance footage of the incident was allegedly deleted from the courthouse server. Barton’s office accused an outside entity of tampering with evidence, prompting a grand jury investigation and the implementation of tighter security protocols.

Former DeSoto County deputy jailer Ronnie Hunt was later charged with aiding the escape, accused of providing Zimmerman with tools or assistance.

A gag order was issued on Barton as the investigation unfolded, limiting public comment.

More Charges Ahead

Zimmerman’s legal troubles are far from over. He has pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges for possessing a weapon as a convicted felon during the Southaven shooting and awaits sentencing in October.

He also faces murder charges in Texas in connection to the Sept. 2, 2023, killing of 23-year-old Keyanna Mercer, who was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head at a Houston motel. The victim was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death.

Local Officials Respond

Southaven Police Chief Seth Kern and DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle both praised the coordinated effort among agencies that led to Zimmerman’s capture and conviction during Thursday’s news conference.

“If you come to DeSoto County to do dirt, we will find you and hold you accountable,” Kern said.

Tuggle added: “When it comes to public safety, we are in lockstep.”

With Zimmerman’s DeSoto County cases now concluded, officials hope the resolution offers closure to the community and a strong message to others.

“This man traveled across the country to do harm,” Barton said. “Today, he got what he deserved.”