Witnesses testify in trial of man accused of killing two people near Hal's St. Paddy's Parade

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Trial is underway for the man accused of killing two people near Hal's St. Paddy's Parade in March 2023.

Opening statements took place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, following Monday's jury selection. Jordan Cummins sat quietly in front of Judge Faye Peterson as she instructed the jury.

Two witnesses were called to the stand Tuesday morning.

Cummins was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Joshua Spann, 27, and Auden Jubilee Simpkins, 23. Cummins was also charged with one count of smuggling.

Authorities said Spann and Simpkins were shot and killed around 1 p.m. near Jefferson Street on Saturday, March 25, 2023, during Hal's St. Paddy's Parade. Cummins was arrested the same day in connection with the shooting.

Cummins' attorney, Bill Kellums, argued that it was a case of self-defense and that there was no physical evidence showing that Cummins' girlfriend, Jenny Lukens, had been beaten before the shooting.

Lukens was arrested on Friday, June 23, 2023 in connection with the shooting. She was indicted by a Hinds County grand jury for hindering prosecution for her alleged role in the double homicide.

More than a dozen witnesses are expected to take the stand in the coming days.