Surprise arrest in Waterson murder
OXFORD WEEKLY PLANET
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Fraternity president held in Ole Miss instructor murder
A surprise arrest was made this morning in the brutal death of University of Mississippi Instructor Kristi Waterson. Detectives arrested Waterson's student Nathanial "Hunter" Nelson, 21, and charged him with murder.
Nelson is the president of the Delta Tau Chi fraternity and a well-known figure on campus. His arrest has shocked UM faculty members.
"This is devastating for the college," said John Brewer, head of the UM School of Business Administration. "It's a terrible day for the school and the entire student body. Who would have guessed that one of our students might be responsible for Kristi's death?"
Yoknapatawpha Public Information Officer Elizabeth Jones would not elaborate on the specifics of the evidence that led investigators to charge Nelson but said, "Forensic evidence played a significant role in the decision to arrest Mr. Nelson."
Ms. Waterson was found murdered in her apartment on August 27, 2023. She was the daughter of Michael and Virginia Waterson of Biloxi.
Through the family attorney, the Waterson family, who has offered a $75,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for their daughter's death, had no comment about Nelson's arrest except to express their hope that justice will be served.
Nelson's parents, Beauregard and Lindsay Nelson of Natchez, expressed outrage that police arrested their son for the murder.
"The sheriff's department has provided no solid evidence to prove him guilty," his mother said. "Kristi had a wild reputation and was known to deal with shady characters."
"We believe our son is innocent and stand behind him all the way," said Beauregard Nelson. "Evidence will prove who the real killer is."
Nelson is being held without bond pending arraignment. If convicted of capital murder, he could face the death penalty.
