FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Bricen Rivers appeared in Forrest County Circuit Court Tuesday for a status hearing in his capital murder case.
Rivers, 25, is accused of killing his 22-year-old ex-girlfriend, Lauren Johansen, in July 2024. His trial was originally set for next month, but a judge has now delayed it until March 3, 2026.
As he left the courthouse, Rivers smiled, waved, and even took a bow in front of cameras.
When asked by a reporter if he was proud of himself, Rivers replied, “Oh yeah.” And when asked what he was proud for Rivers said, “Making it through a day.”
Prosecutors confirmed in a recent motion that they intend to seek the death penalty if Rivers is convicted. Outside the courthouse, he was asked if he thought he would be put to death. Rivers responded, “Yep. Expe