Small Town Murder: Episode #542 - "Biting Off More... - Wiggins, Mississippi"

Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman

Overview

In Episode #542 of "Small Town Murder," comedians and hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve deep into a harrowing and gruesome murder case from the small town of Wiggins, Mississippi. This episode, titled "Biting Off More...," explores the intricate dynamics of a community tightly knit by family ties and the tragic unraveling of one individual's severe mental health struggles leading to an unimaginable crime.

1. Introducing Wiggins, Mississippi

Historical Context & Demographics

• Location & Population: Wiggins is situated in Stone County, Mississippi, nestled between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana. With an area code of 601, the town boasts a population of approximately 4,282 residents.

• Economic Indicators:

  • Median Household Income: $48,784, significantly below the national average.
  • Median Home Cost: $138,900, making it an affordable place to live.

• Founding & Development:

  • Established in 1886 by James Madison Hatton, who homesteaded 160 acres in north-central Harrison County.
  • Originally named Nile City in honor of Judge H.C. Niles, the name was later changed to Wiggins after a naming conflict with Nile City, Michigan.
  • Early infrastructure included a robust town jail, which became the subject of local pranks, reflecting the town's close-knit but mischievous community spirit.
  • The town faced significant setbacks, including destructive fires in 1910 and 1913, which led to the reconstruction of businesses and the establishment of brick buildings for resilience.

Notable Historical Events:

• American Pickle and Canning Company: Founded in 1912, this establishment became a cornerstone of the local economy until it was burned down in 1913.

• Community Attractions: Despite its small size, Wiggins hosts events like the Mississippi Music, Food, and Trail Ride Festival, anticipated to draw nearly 10,000 visitors, showcasing the town's cultural vibrancy.

Quote:

James [06:09]: "It's right in between these two places. It's about five hours to our last Mississippi case which was in Horn Lake and that was called burning your bff. Oh boy, that was wild stuff there."

2. The Life of Terrell Antyrion Johnson

Early Life & Background

• Birth & Family: Born in 1989 to Reverend Rob Harris, a respected Baptist minister, and Sherry Johnson, a dedicated school counselor. Terrell is the only child in an unmarried partnership, growing up in a household where his mother’s siblings also reside nearby, fostering a multi-generational family environment.

• Education & Military Service:

  • Attended community college post-high school but struggled to maintain steady employment.
  • Served in the U.S. Army, an experience that did not alleviate his underlying mental health issues.

Mental Health Struggles

• Diagnoses:

  • Psychotic Disorder
  • Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder
  • Chronic Delusional Disorder

• Behavioral Issues:

  • History of violent disputes with random individuals and family members.
  • Multiple arrests in 2015 for domestic violence, assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and marijuana possession.

• Interactions with Law Enforcement:

  • June 2015 Incidents: Terrell was involved in violent confrontations with deputies, resulting in multiple tasings and eventual handcuffing. His aggressive behavior at home escalated, leading to physical assaults against his mother, Sherry.

Notable Quotes:

Jimmy [17:08]: "If someone's schizophrenic, who's seeing shit, and then they're psychotic also."

James [20:57]: "He didn't want it to stink up the house, man."

3. The Gruesome Murder of Sherry Johnson

Timeline of Events

• June 3-6, 2018: Sherry Johnson, Terrell's mother, went missing, prompting her brother to request a welfare check. Upon arrival at the Johnson household, law enforcement discovered a scene of extreme violence.

• Discovery:

  • Crime Scene: Sherry's bedroom was locked and covered in blood, indicating a savage attack.
  • Condition of the Victim: Her body was found headless in the backyard, with her severed head located 12-15 feet away from the body.

• Murder Details:

  • Method: Terrell used his hands, teeth, and a butter knife to decapitate his mother after a violent altercation over credit cards.
  • Terrell's Admission: He confessed to the crime, stating, "I plead guilty," though his mental state was heavily questioned.

Notable Quotes:

James [50:46]: "He used his hands and teeth to decapitate a person."

Jimmy [51:00]: "He bit her head off."

4. Legal Proceedings and the Insanity Defense

Trial Dynamics

• Competency Evaluation:

  • Psychiatric Assessment: Dr. Sara Deland, a New Orleans-based psychiatrist, testified that Terrell was not competent to stand trial due to his severe mental illnesses, recommending inpatient competency restoration.

• Defense Strategy:

  • Terrell's attorney, Jim Davis, argued for an insanity defense, highlighting Terrell's documented mental health issues since his military service. Davis emphasized that Terrell was incapable of understanding the nature of his actions or communicating effectively during the trial.

• Prosecution's Stance:

  • The prosecution countered by asserting that Terrell was fully aware and in control during the crime, influenced by drug use, negating the insanity defense.

Jury Deliberation and Verdict

• Deliberation Time: A swift 18 minutes, indicating a strong consensus among jurors.
• Verdict: Terrell Johnson was found guilty of first-degree murder, despite substantial evidence pointing towards his compromised mental state.

Notable Quotes:

James [57:37]: "He used his hands and teeth to decapitate his own mother."

Jimmy [62:36]: "If ever the fucking stars are going to align to get an insanity defense, this is the case."

5. Sentencing and Aftermath

Sentence

• Outcome: Life without parole was handed down to Terrell Johnson, ensuring he remains incarcerated indefinitely.

• Estate Implications:

  • Life Insurance: Sherry had a life insurance policy with Alpha Life Insurance Core, naming Terrell as the sole beneficiary. Due to the nature of his conviction, it remains under court supervision to determine eligibility for inheritance post-verdict.

Community and Family Impact

• Community Reaction: The residents of Wiggins are left in shock and disbelief, grappling with the brutality of the crime within their small community.

• Family Dynamics:

  • Reverend Rob Harris: As Terrell's father and a respected figure in the community, his presence in court added a layer of personal anguish to the proceedings.

• Support Systems: Sherry's role as a school counselor and her active participation in the church underscored the magnitude of her loss to the community.

Notable Quotes:

James [73:01]: "He used his hands and teeth to decapitate his own mother."

Jimmy [73:24]: "He bit her head."

6. Reflections and Final Thoughts

Hosts' Perspectives

• James: Reflects on the unnerving nature of the case, emphasizing the interplay between mental health and violent crime within a tightly-knit community.

• Jimmie: Continues to express disbelief and horror at the brutality of the crime, highlighting the challenges in addressing mental health issues effectively within small towns.

Notable Dialogues:

Jimmy [72:52]: "He bit her head."

James [73:16]: "We have to beat them to death if you want. It's easier just to avoid them."

7. Community and Legal System Critique

Systemic Failures

• Mental Health Services: The episode underscores significant shortcomings in mental health support and the criminal justice system's ability to manage individuals with severe psychiatric disorders.

• Law Enforcement Challenges: The close-knit nature of Wiggins' population led to conflicts of interest and inadequate handling of Terrell's mental health needs, ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome.

Ethical Considerations

• Insanity Defense: The case brings to light the complexities and controversies surrounding the use of the insanity defense in court, especially in cases involving extreme violence.

• Beneficiary Implications: Terrell’s potential inheritance from his mother’s life insurance policy raises ethical questions about asset distribution following familial violence.

Conclusion

Episode #542 of "Small Town Murder" offers a chilling examination of one of Wiggins, Mississippi's most disturbing crimes. Through meticulous research and candid discussions, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman unravel the layers of a case marked by severe mental health struggles, community entanglement, and a brutal act of violence. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for effective mental health interventions and the profound impacts their absence can have within close-knit communities.

Notable Final Quote:

James [74:40]: "This place is crazy. So, yeah, there you go. Don't stay out of Wiggins, I guess, because this place is crazy."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [06:09] James: "It's right in between these two places. It's about five hours to our last Mississippi case which was in Horn Lake and that was called burning your bff. Oh boy, that was wild stuff there."

• [15:12] Jimmy: "Cleanthony and it looks like Cleanthony."

• [20:57] James: "He didn't want it to stink up the house, man."

• [50:46] James: "He used his hands and teeth to decapitate a person."

• [51:00] Jimmy: "He bit her head off."

• [57:37] Jimmy: "He bit her head."

• [62:36] Jimmy: "If ever the fucking stars are going to align to get an insanity defense, this is the case."

• [73:16] Jimmy: "He bit her head."

Final Notes

The tragic case of Terrell Johnson and Sherry Johnson in Wiggins, Mississippi, as explored in this episode, highlights the intersection of mental health, community dynamics, and the criminal justice system. It serves as a stark illustration of how systemic failures and inadequate mental health support can culminate in irreversible loss and community trauma. Hosts James and Jimmie provide both an in-depth analysis and a sobering reflection on the complexities inherent in such cases.

For more detailed discussions, visit Shut Up and Give Me Murder, and explore additional content through their Patreon at patreon.com/crimeandsports.