GULFPORT — The state Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld the conviction of Bernard Hayes III of a carjacking at a Taco Bell drive-thru in Gulfport.
Hayes was convicted in 2013 in Harrison County. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Prosecutors say the incident occurred on June 2, 2011.
The victim, a 23-year-old woman, testified she was in the drive-thru lane and placing an order about 9 p.m. when Hayes jumped in her car. She said Hayes threatened her life, punched her in the face and forced her out of her car.
Hayes was arrested a short time later by Gulfport police.
The Appeals Court rejected Hayes’ arguments that prosecutors didn’t prove his guilt. The court says there was testimony from the victim and other eyewitnesses to support Hayes’ conviction.
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