by ATHENS, Mississippi — A Mississippi community is reeling after authorities say a 17-year-old boy confessed to killing his grandmother inside their church, a shocking act that has left both family members and fellow congregants heartbroken.
Teen Charged with Murder After Confession
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Jadynn Hamilton, 17, has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his 73-year-old grandmother, Ollie Hamilton.
Deputies were called to the Smith Chapel Holiness Church in Athens — a small community located about 175 miles northeast of Jackson near the Alabama border — around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, following reports of a medical emergency. When emergency responders arrived, they found Ollie Hamilton unresponsive near the church’s kitchen area, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley.
During the early stages of the investigation, witnesses told deputies that a “young man” had run for help after discovering the victim. Sheriff Kevin Crook said investigators soon uncovered evidence that began pointing directly toward the same young man — Jadynn Hamilton himself.
‘He Confessed to the Crime,’ Sheriff Says
Sheriff Crook told local outlet WTVA that after interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence from the church, investigators brought the teenager in for questioning.
“The longer that investigation went, evidence started pointing in a certain direction,” Crook said. “A young man had supposedly gone for help early on after the attack. We ended up bringing him in last night, and he confessed to the crime.”
Authorities have not released a detailed motive behind the violent assault, but Sheriff Crook said Hamilton did not appear to hesitate when confronted with the evidence against him.
“This is a tragedy of the worst kind,” Crook said, “because you’ve got a beloved church member, family member, and community member killed — and then you come to find out within 24 hours she was killed by another beloved family member.”
No Known Motive, No Prior Record
Investigators have not indicated what might have triggered the fatal confrontation. Sheriff Crook described the teenager as having no prior criminal history, calling the incident both senseless and deeply painful for everyone involved.
“If somebody is not able to control their impulses and they reach that point, I don’t think it really matters who the victim is at the time,” Crook said. “If it got them to that level of anger, they’re going to lash out at whoever. It just happened to be his grandmother.”
He added that the community is struggling to understand how a seemingly ordinary Wednesday evening church service turned into a scene of horror.
Community in Shock
Residents in Athens, a quiet, tight-knit town in Monroe County, have expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragedy. Those who knew Ollie Hamilton described her as a devout woman, deeply involved in her church and known for her kindness and generosity.
“She was always the first one to lend a hand — whether it was cooking for a fundraiser or praying for someone in need,” one parishioner told local reporters. “No one can make sense of this.”
The Smith Chapel Holiness Church, where the killing occurred, has become a place of mourning, with community members leaving flowers and handwritten notes outside the building.
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Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Following his confession, Jadynn Hamilton was taken into custody and booked into the Monroe County Jail. Authorities confirmed that he will be tried as an adult due to the severity of the crime. His bond has been set at $500,000.
While police have confirmed the confession, they are continuing to collect forensic evidence and review witness statements to ensure that all details surrounding the killing are fully documented.
As the investigation moves forward, community leaders are urging residents to come together in prayer and support for the grieving family. Sheriff Crook called for compassion, acknowledging that both the victim and the suspect were loved members of the same close community.
“This case is devastating on every level,” Crook said. “It’s a reminder that no matter how well we think we know someone, moments of anger can change everything. We’re praying for peace and healing for this entire family.”
For ongoing coverage and updates on this case, visit race-day-live.com.
