Hattiesburg, Mississippi- All charges were dropped against Andrew David Cook, then a 23 year old white man, who was charged with "Leaving The Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death or Bodily Harm" for killing Donivan Barnes, a 26 year old black man on Westover Drive despite Andrew's confession, his mother's confession, video evidence, witness testimony, and Donivan's blood and DNA all over Andrew's truck that was confirmed by the Mississippi Crime Lab.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Lamar County DA called Donivan's family to tell them the grand jury chose not to indict Andrew David Cook despite the overwhelming evidence they claim they submitted in the secret grand jury hearing.
Donivan Barnes was found dead by his family during USM Homecoming Weekend Saturday, October 7, 2023 laying in a ditch on Westover Drive, in Hattiesburg, MS. Initially, Lamar County Sheriff's Department refused to investigate the case, ask the public for help or bring forth any charges.
Three weeks later after enormous pressure from Donivan's family, a statement went out on TV asking the public for help. The next day, David and his mom, Lamar County School District Elementary teacher Dr. Kimberly Yawn Walker, went to the Sheriff's Office, both confessed to their involvement in the crime including going back to the crime scene multiple times and never calling 911 yet still was released by Lamar County Sheriff's Department.
With strong pushback from Donivan's family, the next evening, he was charged with Leaving the Scene of A Crime, temporarily booked in the Lamar County Jail and within a hour or so was released on a $10,000 surety bond, meaning not only did he never spend a day in jail, he never paid one dollar towards his bond, although Morrison Bail Bonding signed for his release.
Fast forward to today. Based on how and what was presented by the Lamar County's DA's office, Donivan's family is still left with no answers or relief from the justice system. This is a developing story.
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