A murder trial involving a former Jackson State University student accused of killing his roommate has ended without a verdict after a jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial. The closely watched case, which has drawn significant attention across Mississippi and the HBCU community, now enters a new phase as prosecutors determine whether they will seek a retrial.
After days of deliberations, jurors informed the court they remained deadlocked, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial. The decision means no verdict was reached, leaving both the victim’s family and the defendant awaiting the next steps in the legal process.
Former Jackson State student Randall Smith was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his roommate, Flynn Brown, in December 2022. According to previous reports, Brown was found dead on campus on Dec. 2, 2022, after being discovered inside his vehicle in a university parking lot with a gunshot wound.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence surrounding the fatal shooting and Smith’s statements to investigators. According to WLBT, Smith admitted to shooting Brown but maintained that the shooting occurred during a physical altercation. The defense argued that Smith acted in self-defense and challenged the prosecution’s assertion that the killing was premeditated.
Testimony revealed disturbing details about the events that followed the shooting. Smith told investigators that after Brown was shot, he placed the body inside a storage container and dragged it down seven flights of stairs from their dormitory room before placing it inside Brown’s Dodge Challenger. Investigators further alleged that Smith hid the firearm in a shoebox beneath a bed and used bleach in an attempt to clean the scene and conceal evidence. Court testimony indicated that the confrontation between the roommates allegedly began during an argument over doughnuts.
The evidence ultimately left jurors divided. Reports indicate the panel reached a 10-2 deadlock as members struggled to agree on the level of criminal responsibility. While first-degree murder charges require prosecutors to prove premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt, some jurors reportedly questioned whether that burden had been met. As a result, the mistrial leaves the case unresolved and provides prosecutors the option of pursuing another trial. Smith has not been found guilty or not guilty.
The criminal proceedings are not the only legal battle stemming from Brown’s death. Brown’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jackson State University, alleging the institution failed to protect their son despite warnings about prior issues between Brown and Smith. According to WAPT, the lawsuit claims university officials were made aware of concerns before the fatal incident but failed to take adequate action.
With no verdict reached, the mistrial leaves lingering questions for everyone connected to the case. For Brown’s family, the search for justice continues. For Smith, the legal uncertainty remains. And for the Jackson State community, the tragic case serves as a painful reminder of a loss that shook campus nearly four years ago.
