Mississippi Man Accused Of Murder Found Dead

JAYESS, MS — Mississippi man Tony Wilson has been found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Lawrence County Sheriff Lessie Butler. Wilson was accused of killing one of his neighbors and beating the other, as well setting two house on fire, over a land dispute.

Wilson had eluded authorities for about two weeks after he killed Henry Peavey and beat his wife, Kathryn Peavey near Jayess, Mississippi.

On Monday, tracking dogs, a SWAT team and others surrounded a hunting camp about a half-mile from Wilson's home after he was spotted.

That's when Lawrence County Sheriff Lessie Butler said he believed Wilson killed himself with a pistol.

Officials have said Wilson disputed Henry Peavey's ownership of a piece of land.

"That land dispute looked like an obsession that wouldn't go away. It was like he wasn't going to walk away," Butler told the Daily Leader, explaining why Wilson was found so close to his home.

Wilson had been on the run since authorities said he shot Peavey to death Dec. 19 at Peavey's late mother's house. The body and the house were set on fire, Butler said.

Wilson was also accused of beating Kathryn Peavey at the couple's home less than a half-mile away and then burning it with her inside.

Butler said Kathryn Peavey's son had told him that her condition has improved slightly. She remains hospitalized in Jackson.

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