1 arrested, 1 wanted after burned body found in Copiah County
Published 10:53 am Wednesday, April 17, 2024
The burned body of a missing man was found on the side of a Copiah County highway Monday.
Sheriff Byron Swilley said a man came into his office Monday to report he had not seen his son since Saturday, and wanted to file a missing persons report.
A few hours later, a Mississippi Department of Transportation crew discovered the burned body on Hwy. 472 near Rockport Road — northeast of Wesson and south of Georgetown.
The body was identified as 54-year-old Billy Ray Jones Jr.
Matthew Nelson, 50, was arrested and charged with kidnapping and murder.
Sheriff Swilley said authorities are looking for a second suspect, 32-year-old Tyrell Bridges, who will face the same charges. Swilley said Bridges is considered armed and dangerous.