A shooting that occurred following a 2023 drug deal gone wrong in Olive Branch has resulted in the conviction of Brandon Brinkley, 20, of Horn Lake.
A jury unanimously found Brinkley guilty of attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery at the end of a three-day trial that ended Wednesday.
“Today, we send a clear message,” DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said. “To victims: we stand with you. And to those who commit crimes in DeSoto County: you cannot escape justice. If you harm our community, you will face tough prosecutors who will show no leniency. We are going to hit you with everything we have.”
Court documents and trial testimonies detailed Brinkley and Marco Gentry meeting with the shooting victim at Dodge’s Chicken on June 14, 2023, to buy marijuana. During the meeting, Gentry is said to have inquired about buying a firearm.
When the victim showed a gun, Gentry is said to have taken it while Brinkley exited the vehicle and shot the victim. The parties then exchanged fire before Brinkley and Gentry fled the scene. Both were quickly arrested by Olive Branch police officers nearby.
The three-day trial ended in a notably quick decision from the jury, in which they convicted Brinkley on all counts. District Attorney Barton praised the prosecution’s efforts that led to the guilty verdicts.
“This outcome is a testament to the precision and dedication of our prosecution team, along with the strong collaboration with the Olive Branch Police Department,” Barton said. “I want to recognize and commend those who worked tirelessly to bring this violent criminal to justice.”
Assistant District Attorneys Drew Willcutt and Steven Jubera led the prosecution, while the investigation was conducted by Lt. Ashley Holladay and the Olive Branch Police Department.
Brinkley is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31.
Gentry has also been convicted of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, along with a drive-by shooting conviction in a separate case, and was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
