Patricia Burchell of Hattiesburg has been appointed district attorney in the 12th Circuit Court District, succeeding current District Attorney Jon Mark Weathers.

Gov. Haley Barbour announced the appointment Friday — one of two prosecutor appointments he made.

Burchell served as an Assistant District Attorney under Weathers for the last 7 years. Weathers will leave office Oct. 1. Burchell will serve the remainder of the unexpired term to January 2012.

The 12th District includes Forrest and Perry counties.

Barbour named Daniel Jones of Mendenhall to fill the remainder of the term vacated by the resignation of Eddie Bowen who was named circuit judge in the 13th Circuit Court. Jones takes office Oct. 1.

The 13th District includes Covington, Jasper, Simpson and Smith counties.