Wilkinson County Man Convicted of Murdering Brother

A Wilkinson County jury has convicted 69-year-old Rickey Lee Shinholster of murdering his older brother, Ezekiel Shinholster, Jr. The conviction came on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The incident occurred on the night of July 9, 2023, when Rickey Lee Shinholster shot his brother with a Glock 9mm pistol. The motive for the shooting was a dispute over access to a home located at 868 Farish Wood Road.

The case was investigated by the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI. The prosecution team included Senior Assistant District Attorney Brent Cochran, Assistant District Attorney Eesha Kumar, and victim advocate Merilyn Chatman.

Authorities extended a special thank you to Sheriff Chatman, the GBI, and the prosecution team for their work on the case. In a statement, it was noted that Rickey Lee Shinholster’s actions “left his entire family shattered,” and thoughts and prayers were extended to the Shinholster family as they continue to heal from the tragic event.