Man convicted of murdering two people near Hal's St. Paddy's Parade

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The man accused of murdering two people near Hal's St. Paddy's Parade in March 2023 has been found guilty.

The jury found Jordan Cummins guilty of two counts of first degree murder on Wednesday, June 19. He was convicted of killing Joshua Spann, 27, and Jubilee Simpkins, 23, near the parade in 2023.

Cummins and his girlfriend, Jenny Lukens, both testified on Monday, June 17.

Kam Owens, who testified last week, said he saw Cummins punch Lukens in the face. Owens said he got out of his car, walked toward the Malibu and hit Cummins. He said Cummins then got behind the car seat, pulled out a gun and began shooting.

Lukens entered the courtroom Monday in a brown prison uniform, her wrists shackled. She was also arrested in connection with that case and charged with hindering prosecution.

Lukens testified that Cummins did not hit her while they were sitting in the vehicle. She said Cummins punched the back of the seat and hit the dashboard, but she was not physically assaulted.

The State cross-examined Lukens and asked him about inconsistencies in his story. She claimed she saw Spann pull out a gun first.

During his testimony, Cummins said he feared for his life the day of the shooting. He said he asked Lukens to put his gun in her purse. Cummins also said he punched the scoreboard several times, but was not abusive toward Lukens.

No sentencing date for Cummins has been announced.