JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A man was found guilty in connection to the death of his girlfriend in Jackson nearly five years ago.

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens said Billy Gibson was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of 28-year-old Darcie Rich.

Jackson police responded to a home in the 6800 block of Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive on December 24, 2019. They found Rich unresponsive at the scene.

According to Owens, Gibson brutally beat Rich into a comatose stage with a broomstick. She was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and later died from her injuries.

Investigators said surveillance video did not match Gibson’s account of what happened. He was arrested and charged with murder.

Gibson was sentenced to 40 years to serve with 20 years suspended in the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).