The news of the arrest of an alleged shooter came as a relief to Chancery Judge Charlie Smith and his family, almost one year to the date of the incident. Authorities arrested Ernest Edwards of Meridian on March 12, 2021, for attempted capital murder.
“We’re just real relieved,” expressed Judge Smith. “They came to me about a month earlier and told me they had some leads that might help out. Then, they took it step by step talking to different people, and then I guess they had enough information that they felt like they had a good case. They’re still investigating, so hopefully they’re getting enough evidence that they can prove without a doubt that that’s who it is.”
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation was thrilled to make the arrest and credits the arrest to all the law enforcement departments working so diligently together.
“This investigation is a testament to the collaborative efforts made by state and local law enforcement,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Lee Morrison, Director of MBI.
Although Judge Smith and his family are relieved that progress has been made to find the man who shot him on March 16, 2020, he can’t help but remember when the event took place. The moment was so surreal for him, that it took a moment before he could clearly comprehend what had occurred.
“I was going into work that morning just like any other day, and I had gotten out of my truck,” recalled Judge Smith. “We normally park on the west side of the courthouse, and I was walking around the back of my truck. I had forgotten something in my truck and turned around. I clicked the remote to open the doors, and then BOOM; there was a gigantic sound like an explosion. Then, I was on the ground looking up at the sky, and I wondered if lightening had hit me or struck close by. The sky was clear, so then I realized that I must’ve been shot and couldn’t get up. I tried to call for help.”
Workers at the courthouse and emergency personnel wasted no time in helping Judge Smith, and their valiant efforts and quick response helped to save his life.
“I went through emergency surgeries in Meridian that morning on the sixteenth. The femoral artery had been damaged, and the cap of the femur had been knocked off by the bullet. They did the surgery to stop the bleeding and save my life. A lot of blood was donated and given to me at that point,” remembered Judge Smith. “Then, they airlifted me to the University Medical Center. They did some more emergency surgery trying to patch it up. Two or three days later, they did the major surgery to put the femur cap back on the bone. They put three screws in it. The area where the bullet had come out in that crease area between my leg and torso was bad. They ended up putting a bandage called a wound vac on top of it to help pull it together and seal it. I was in the hospital for about a week and a half and then went to rehab at the Methodist Rehab Center in Jackson. I stayed a couple weeks there, and then they sent me home and just did home health at that point.”
After a year, his wound has healed up the best it could, and he is able to walk again. He still suffers from some nerve damage, but he is glad that he is able to notice a little more improvement with each passing day. Thinking back on the event, the judge just has a strong appreciation for everyone who helped him out.
“I’m just thankful for everybody that was there to help me—from the law enforcement, courthouse workers and ambulance drivers, to the doctors and all the people who gave blood and sent up prayers,” acknowledged Judge Smith. “I’m just humbled by everything that has happened and the people that have supported me and prayed for me.”
Since the shooting occurred, there have been a few changes to help create a safer environment for the judge.
“Immediately after that, I was assigned three deputies that meet me out in the parking lot every morning watching out for me, so I know Clarke County is watching me,” expressed Judge Smith. “Lauderdale County has changed some of their security. They put up cameras around the courthouse. We do not park in assigned spots anymore. There are spots that have numbers on them, but they don’t have any markings for the different judges or clerks anymore. We’ve all just started parking anywhere around the courthouse with no set spot. There’s more security around the courthouse. Personally, I have started watching a little more. It doesn’t really scare me, but I am more aware of what’s around and what’s going on.”
Judge Smith is a walking miracle, and he is excited that he is still able to come and do what he loves in the courtroom. He values the prayers for continued healing and hopes to one day be completely healed up. Until then, he will still do his best to continue smiling and uphold the law in the courtroom with each case he has.
