By Rupert Howell

Odell McBrayer, Jr. agreed to reduced charges of heat of passion manslaughter and received a sentence of 20 years for his part in the April 2011 death of Tommy “Burnside” Moore in Como.

Moore’s burned body was found on Paul White Road north of Como near Tate County. DNA was used to identify the body and an autopsy revealed that he had died from a shot to his back.

That shot came from Odell McBrayer, Jr. according to court records which also revealed that he was shot more than once, but it was Odell’s shot that was fatal.

The plea was heard Friday by Circuit Judge Smith Murphy at the Batesville Courthouse where Moore’s father said, “I hope he has to serve all of it,” when asked by Murphey if the victim’s family had anything to say.

McBrayer turned toward the victim’s family and said, “I’m sorry for what I did,” after Murphey explained reduced charges came about only after the victim’s family agreed.

The judge explained that he couldn’t predict how much of the time would have to be served of the 20 year sentence, noting, “That is up to the Mississippi Department of Corrections.”
McBrayer was given credit for 812 days served.