Tragic Mass Shooting at Mississippi Homecoming Event Claims Six Lives

A community celebration turned tragic on October 10, 2025, when a mass shooting erupted in downtown Leland, Mississippi, following a high school homecoming football game, resulting in six fatalities and approximately 20 injuries.

The incident occurred around midnight at the intersection of Fourth Street and North Main Street, where a large crowd had gathered after Leland High School's homecoming game. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire broke out among the attendees. Four victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries at local hospitals. Among the injured, four were reported to be in critical condition and were transferred to hospitals in Jackson for advanced treatment.

The six individuals who lost their lives have been identified as:

• Oreshama Johnson, 41
• Calvin Plant, 19
• Shelbyona Powell, 25
• Kaslyn Johnson, 18
• Amos Brand Jr., 18
• JaMichael Jones, 34

As of October 14, 2025, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting:

• Teviyon L. Powell, 29: Charged with capital murder.
• William Bryant, 29: Charged with capital murder.
• Morgan Lattimore, 25: Charged with capital murder.
• Latoya A. Powell, 44: Charged with attempted murder.
• Terrogernal S. Martin, 33: Charged with capital murder.

Authorities have indicated that the violence stemmed from a disagreement, though a specific motive has not been disclosed. The FBI has stated that additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

The Leland shooting was part of a particularly violent weekend in Mississippi, with multiple shootings occurring during homecoming events:

• Heidelberg, Mississippi: Two individuals were killed on a school campus during a homecoming event. An 18-year-old man is being sought for questioning in connection with the shooting.
• Rolling Fork, Mississippi: A shooting occurred at South Delta High School after a football game. Two people have been arrested, though details about injuries are not yet clear.
• Jackson, Mississippi: An 11-year-old boy was shot in the stomach near the stadium during Jackson State University's homecoming game. The boy was taken to a hospital, but his condition is unknown.
• Alcorn State University: A shooting on campus resulted in the death of 29-year-old Brekyra Fisher and injuries to two others.

These incidents contributed to a total of at least nine deaths and several injuries across the state during the weekend.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, along with local and federal authorities, continues to investigate the Leland shooting. The FBI has issued a public appeal for information, encouraging individuals to share any personal videos or photographs related to the incident. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves expressed condolences and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

The Leland shooting, along with the other incidents during the same weekend, underscores the persistent issue of gun violence in the United States. As of October 11, 2025, the U.S. has recorded 337 mass shootings, nearing the high levels of gun violence seen in previous years. A University of Colorado Boulder study highlights that roughly one in 15 Americans has personally witnessed a mass shooting, suggesting that such events are becoming an inevitable part of community life in the U.S.

The community of Leland, a small town in the Mississippi Delta region, is grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. Residents have expressed shock and grief, with many calling for increased security measures at public events. Local officials have imposed temporary curfews and canceled public gatherings as a precautionary measure.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing those responsible to justice and addressing the broader implications of gun violence in small communities. The recent spate of shootings during homecoming events has raised concerns about the safety of public gatherings and the need for enhanced security measures.

The Leland community, along with others affected by the weekend's violence, faces a long road to healing as they mourn the loss of their neighbors and seek solutions to prevent future tragedies.