Marcus Herbert Harris of Moss Point has pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault in Jackson County Circuit Court instead of facing a capital murder trial.

Judge Robert Krebs sentenced Harris to life in prison on the murder charge and another 20 years for the aggravated assault offense.

The plea agreement happened Tuesday afternoon, about five hours after Harris’ trial had begun.

He was accused of shooting to death 63-year-old Sema Hall at A&B Check Cashiers on Dec. 26, 2009.

The store’s owner, 74-year-old Willie Williams, was also shot multiple times but survived.