Rankin County man no longer facing manslaughter charge after killing neighbor in 2020

Last updated: February 24, 2023

Deshawn Douglas reached an agreement with prosecutors earlier this month to dismiss his manslaughter charge in the killing of his neighbor, Chris Miln, in 2020, WLBT reports. Douglas’ attorney, Scott Gilbert, claims that the agreement demonstrates that Douglas acted in self-defense.

In a video that captured the incident, Miln was seen strangling Douglas before Douglas shot and killed him. According to Gilbert, Miln had threatened to hit Douglas with a shovel a few months prior, which led Douglas to file an assault charge against him.

Many supporters and legal experts believed that Douglas had a strong case for self-defense.

Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett offered a plea deal to Douglas, dropping the manslaughter charge but maintaining the charge of tampering with evidence because Douglas disposed of the gun used in the killing. Douglas agreed to the deal, and a judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison. Douglas is also not allowed to have any contact with Miln’s wife.

Gilbert said that his client regrets disposing of the gun, but he and his family are relieved to have this behind them. He expects that Douglas will be eligible for parole after slightly more than two years.

Gilbert thanked the DA’s office and the Sheriff for their approach to the case, stating that “the resolution of the case reflects the judgment of the DA’s office and the Sheriff that Shawn acted in self-defense. Throughout this process, the DA’s office and the Sheriff were always willing to receive and consider the evidence we provided.”

He also mentioned that once Douglas has completed his sentence, his conviction may be expunged, and he will be given the opportunity to live his life without being a felon.