JACKSON, Miss. — A Neshoba County man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of another tribal member on the Choctaw Indian Reservation.
After a three-day trial, a federal jury on Sept. 10 found Brian Keith Bell, 56, of the Pearl River Community, guilty of second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of the crime.
Prosecutors said Bell used a handgun to fatally shoot the victim, who was also a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The case stemmed from an April 2024 federal grand jury indictment that charged Bell with murder and firearm use in a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 14, 2025. Bell remains in federal custody and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon praised the work of the Choctaw Police Department and the FBI’s Jackson Field Office in investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns prosecuted.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
