News Flash

In separate hearings, Gywan Ladarius Willis, 28, and Alfonzo Lavente Taylor, 34, both of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, pled guilty to armed robbery. Judge Keith Miller sentenced each to 30 years with 20 years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.  

On April 22, 2021, at 10:59PM, Willis demanded money at gunpoint from the clerk working the register at the Shell Gas Station located at 1120 Bienville Boulevard in Ocean Springs. Willis and Taylor then traveled to the St. Andrews community in Jackson County, and on April 23, 2021, at 5:38 AM, Taylor demanded money at gunpoint from the clerk working the register at the Clark’s Gas Station located at 1208 Main Street, Ocean Springs.  Taylor was arrested at his residence on April 23, 2021, and Willis surrendered to law enforcement on April 24, 2021.   

District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated, “What should have been a regular day at work turned into a nightmare for these two victims. These types of crimes can turn deadly in an instant, and I am thankful the victims in this case are safe. My office will continue to seek justice for victims of crime and lengthy prison sentences for those who pose a danger to our community.”

Assistant District Attorney Justin Lovorn stated, “People in our community should feel safe at work without the fear of being threatened with violence. I want to thank the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean Springs Police Department, Biloxi Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service for their joint effort to hold these defendants accountable.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin Lovorn. 

Dates:
Gywan Ladarius Willis pled on January 12, 2023 and was sentenced on January 30, 2023. 
Alfonzo Lavente Taylor pled on January 17, 2023 and was sentenced on February 6, 2023.