ATHENS, Miss. — Authorities in Monroe County are investigating a tragic homicide after 73-year-old Ollie Hamilton was found dead Wednesday evening inside Smith Chapel Holiness Church on Burr Road in the Athens community.
According to Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley, emergency responders received a 911 call around 5:45 p.m. reporting the incident. When deputies arrived, they discovered Hamilton deceased inside the church.
Sheriff Kevin Crook confirmed that the victim’s 17-year-old grandson, Jadynn Hamilton, confessed to the killing during the investigation. He has since been charged with murder and is being held on a $500,000 bond.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the motive, which remains under active investigation.
Community members have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing Ollie Hamilton as a kind and devoted woman who was active in her church and well-loved in the Athens area.
“This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved,” Sheriff Crook said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hamilton family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are continuing to gather evidence in the case.