Fugitive Who Escaped DeSoto County Courthouse Sentenced to 50 Years for Attempted Murder
HERNANDO, Miss. – Joshua Zimmerman, whose dramatic courthouse escape in 2024 made national headlines, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for a 2023 attempted murder in Southaven.
Zimmerman, a Connecticut native with a history of violent crimes across multiple states, pleaded guilty Thursday in DeSoto County Circuit Court to attempted murder and felony escape. As a habitual offender, he will serve his sentence without the possibility of parole. He also received five years for the courthouse escape, though the sentences will run concurrently.
“He came to DeSoto County to hide and commit violent crimes. And we made sure he’ll never walk free again,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton.
Southaven Shooting
Zimmerman’s local crimes began Sept. 27, 2023, when he shot a Southaven man in the neck, waited an hour to see if the victim would die, then dropped him at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto. The victim survived. Investigators identified Zimmerman through surveillance footage, and he was arrested two days later.
Courthouse Escape & Manhunt
On June 14, 2024, Zimmerman escaped from the DeSoto County Courthouse before a scheduled hearing, prompting a massive manhunt and a combined $20,000 reward. He was captured nearly two months later after a 15-hour standoff at a Chicago seafood restaurant.
The escape raised security concerns after surveillance footage was allegedly deleted. Former deputy jailer Ronnie Hunt was later charged with aiding the escape.
Ongoing Legal Troubles
Zimmerman has also pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges and awaits sentencing in October. He faces a murder charge in Texas in the death of 23-year-old Keyanna Mercer, who was reportedly pregnant at the time of her killing.
Southaven Police Chief Seth Kern and Sheriff Thomas Tuggle praised the multi-agency effort that led to Zimmerman’s capture and conviction.
“If you come to DeSoto County to do dirt, we will find you and hold you accountable,” Kern said.
