On August 3, 2022, after a three-day trial, a Jackson County jury found Octavius Montego Black, 35 years old, guilty of the capital murder of Betty Vaughans.
On August 3, 2022, after a three-day trial, a Jackson County jury found Octavius Montego Black, 35 years old, guilty of the capital murder of Betty Vaughans.
Judge Robert Krebs sentenced Black to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated, “Betty Vaughans was a truly a special person and her murder was senseless. The Defendant chocked her and ran her over just to take her vehicle. Even in her last moments, Mrs. Vaughans was trying to help the Defendant. Her loss is felt throughout the Moss Point community. I hope today’s conviction will offer some comfort to all who loved her.”
Assistant District Attorney Justin Lovorn stated, “Ms. Betty was a wife, mother and friend to many in the community. Her killing at the hands of Octavius Black was merciless and savage. I hope this life sentence will serve those who were close to Ms. Betty in their attempt to heal.”
This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath and Assistant District Attorneys Justin Lovorn and Nick Mobley.