IOKA, Mississippi — August 24, 2026 — Randy Barrett Kelly, 38, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, according to court records.
Judge Kelly Mims sentenced Kelly to the maximum of 40 years, with 10 years suspended, leaving him with a 30-year, day-for-day sentence. Kelly will not be eligible for parole or early release, and must serve the full term.
Kelly entered his plea on August 18, 2026, for the murder of Robert Andrew Huddleston Jr. The sentencing was deferred until today. Three members of Huddleston’s family testified at the hearing before Kelly addressed the court. Following their statements, Judge Mims ordered the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Tishomingo County Sheriff’s Office, with Investigator Adam Kostelansky leading the investigation. The District Attorney’s office praised the work of the sheriff’s office in bringing the case to resolution and achieving justice for the Huddleston family.
Assistant District Attorney Clay Cummings prosecuted the case on behalf of the state. The case was handled in the First Circuit Court District, according to officials.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
