The Randall Smith trial ended in a verdict of no verdict: on April 9, 2026, a Hinds County jury deadlocked after more than three hours of deliberation, and Judge Adrienne Wooten declared a mistrial in the first-degree murder case against the former Jackson State University student accused of killing his roommate, Flynn Brown.1WAPT. JSU Student Roommate Killing Randall Smith Trial
How the Jury Split
According to a juror who spoke publicly after the trial, all twelve jurors agreed Smith was guilty of something. They could not agree on what. Ten favored second-degree murder. Two held firm for manslaughter, and said they would not move regardless of further deliberation.2WAPT. Randall Smith Murder Trial Juror Mistrial Smith had been indicted in 2023 on first-degree murder, but the jury never returned a verdict on that top charge.3WLBT. Murder Trial Continues for Former Jackson State Student Accused of Killing Roommate
What the Case Was About
Smith and Brown were suite mates at the John W. Dixon Residence Hall on the JSU campus in Jackson, Mississippi. Brown, 22, was a football player from New Jersey; Smith was from New Orleans.4Clarion Ledger. Jackson Mississippi Randall Smith Murder Trial for JSU Student Flynn Brown Death Ends in Mistrial On December 2, 2022, the two argued over doughnuts. Smith told investigators Brown had a history of taking his belongings and was choking him during the fight. He said he pulled a gun from a drawer and shot Brown in self-defense.5WJTV. State Rests in Trial for Man Accused of Killing Jackson State Student
Brown was found shot in the head inside a vehicle. In a recorded confession played at trial, Smith admitted shooting Brown, cleaning the dorm room with bleach, placing the body in a storage box, and moving it to the car.3WLBT. Murder Trial Continues for Former Jackson State Student Accused of Killing Roommate
Why Jurors Divided
Assistant District Attorney Briana Keeler pointed the jury toward the cleanup and concealment as evidence of deliberation, arguing the steps Smith took after the shooting showed consciousness of guilt rather than a person acting in self-defense.4Clarion Ledger. Jackson Mississippi Randall Smith Murder Trial for JSU Student Flynn Brown Death Ends in Mistrial Defense attorney Kevin Camp maintained Smith acted in self-defense after Brown attacked him, and said the team had hoped for a full acquittal.1WAPT. JSU Student Roommate Killing Randall Smith Trial
What Happens Next
Smith was returned to the Hinds County jail after the mistrial. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will retry him, though the District Attorney’s office is expected to set a date for a new trial.2WAPT. Randall Smith Murder Trial Juror Mistrial No plea deal has been reported in the criminal case.
Flynn Brown’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jackson State University. That civil case is separate from the criminal prosecution and remains pending.1WAPT. JSU Student Roommate Killing Randall Smith Trial