CANTON — A Canton man was convicted of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Wednesday following a three-day jury trial in the shooting death of Troy Waldrep, according to Madison and Rankin Counties District Attorney John K. “Bubba” Bramlett.
James Jaleel Ross, 34, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on both counts. The jury also found Ross to be a violent habitual offender based on his prior felony convictions, according to Bramlett’s office.
Waldrep was shot shortly after midnight July 19, 2025, at the Camden Park Apartments in Canton. According to the district attorney’s office, Waldrep had attended a party with a friend and the friend’s female cousin. When they returned to the woman’s residence, her ex-boyfriend saw her in a vehicle with the two men and mistakenly believed she was romantically involved with Waldrep.
According to prosecutors, Ross approached the vehicle and fired a single shot through the passenger-side window, striking Waldrep in the face. Waldrep died at the scene, and Ross fled.
Ross was located two days later as he entered a hotel in Ridgeland, according to the district attorney’s office.
Ross testified during the trial and denied involvement in the shooting. The state presented testimony from multiple eyewitnesses and other witnesses, including geolocation expert John Chalk, whose testimony placed Ross’s cellphone near the crime scene at the time of the shooting, according to prosecutors.
Assistant District Attorneys Scott Rogillio and Ashley Allen prosecuted the case. Ross was represented by attorneys Judith Barnett and Bridgett Todd.
After a brief deliberation, the jury unanimously found Ross guilty of both charges and determined he was a violent habitual offender, according to Bramlett’s office.
Bramlett said the sentences were required under Mississippi’s habitual offender statute.
“This case is heartbreaking and tragic,” Bramlett said. “The senseless killing of Troy Waldrep should not have happened.”
Bramlett also thanked law enforcement officers, his office’s staff and the citizens who served on the jury.
