NATCHEZ — A Natchez man is scheduled to face trial today in connection with a 2014 killing in which one man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The trial of Jhakeel Quantez Hawkins, 29B 1/2 Brenham Ave., will begin today in Sixth Judicial  District Judge Forrest “Al” Johnson’s court.

Hawkins was charged, along with two other men, in connection with the Feb. 23, 2014, murder of Terrance Thornburg of Natchez.

Maurice Davis, 165 Tubman Circle, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Nov. 22 in Johnson’s Circuit Court. Davis received a 15-year prison sentence but is eligible for probation after five years. Alan T. Thomas, 33, 199 Charles St., Petal, was also charged in the case.

After losing money in a dice game, Davis left and came back to Thornburg’s residence to recover the lost money, Johnson said this past week. Thornburg was shot in the back of the head by Davis, Johnson said.

Hawkins’ defense attorney Tim Blalock said Monday his client maintains his innocence.

“He was not involved, and I think the evidence will show that,” Blalock said. “The real bad guy pled guilty to it last week.”

Hawkins’ original trial in August was continued because the state’s primary witness was unavailable. He was released on a $50,000 bond following the continuance once his bond was lowered from $200,000.

After Hawkins received his preliminary hearing in 2014, no bond was set for him. Hawkins was in the Adams County Jail for 400 days without legal representation or a bond. Justice Court Judge Charlie Vess in July 2015 set a $50,000 bond, which was ultimately posted.

Blalock said even now Hawkins must wear an ankle bracelet to allow the court to track his whereabouts.

“This has been hard on him,” Blalock said. “He can’t get a job because people look and say, “Oh, I see you have an ankle bracelet on.’

“This has pretty well ruined his life for the past two to three years.”

Blalock said Hawkins might legally pursue a case against the state for how he has been treated during this process, but first he wanted to get through the trial.

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution in today’s murder trial.

The office of the Adams County District Attorney was recused in 2014 because an assistant district attorney had once represented one of the Natchez men arrested in connection with this shooting.