One of four suspects accused of murder in connection with a 2023 shooting death accepted an open plea Monday in a Warren County courtroom.

Perrion Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in front of District Court Judge M. James Chaney in connection with the death of Preston Wilson Jr. in July 2023.

Johnson, along with co-defendants John Earl Wallace Jr., Zackary Bryant and Patrick Ross, was indicted in the shooting death. The other defendants have also pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the incident. At least two of the co-defendants were expected to testify against Johnson.

The case began when police were called to the scene at the corner of Cherry and Harris streets in July 2023, where they found Wilson dead from a gunshot wound. Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones said the shooting stemmed from a previous disagreement. Four individuals, including Wilson, were targeted in the shooting, according to investigators. The three other targeted individuals were not injured.

Johnson has no prior felony charges and faces up to 40 years in prison with a 30-year minimum sentence. His sentencing has been set for March 26.