Steven Harris IV, a 20-year-old Southern University student from St. Francisville, Louisiana, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Wilkinson County, Mississippi. His body was discovered five days after he disappeared on July 17, 2024. Three suspects are now in custody, charged with his murder.
Harris, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, was a respected member of the university’s celebrated marching band, the Human Jukebox.
The individuals arrested in connection with his death are Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, and Calajia Jack, 20, both from St. Francisville, and Allyah Martin, 21, from Zachary, Louisiana. They are facing first-degree murder charges in Wilkinson County and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana.
Harris was reported missing after he didn’t show up for a custody hearing on July 18. He and Martin, the mother of his nearly two-year-old son, were entangled in a custody dispute. His family grew worried when he failed to appear at the hearing.
LaSonia Harris, Steven Harris IV’s mother, expressed deep sorrow and confusion over her son’s death. She feels overwhelmed by the situation, viewing it as a deliberate action to harm her and her family. She is left grappling with a range of emotions, including anger and pain, and believes her son’s death could have been avoided.
Investigators believe the suspects lured Harris to Mississippi where he was ultimately murdered. Sheriff Brian Spillman pointed out that the evidence suggests the murder was planned in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. Even though the charges are currently being processed by Mississippi authorities, the initial stages of the crime occurred in West Feliciana Parish.
According to Sheriff Spillman, Hollins Jr. confessed to using a modified Glock handgun, capable of firing in fully automatic mode, to kill Harris.
The case has garnered significant attention, partly due to Martin’s alleged involvement in the murder plot. Reports indicate that Harris and Martin had previously filed multiple restraining orders against each other prior to the custody hearing, indicating a volatile relationship.
Currently, Hollins, Jack, and Martin are being held at the West Feliciana Parish Jail, Louisiana, awaiting extradition proceedings to Mississippi. Bail is set at $450,000 for Hollins, $365,000 for Jack, and $350,000 for Martin.
The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Deputy OJ Packnett has extended his condolences to the Harris family, acknowledging the gravity of the incident.
Southern University also offered its condolences to Harris’ family and friends. The marching band department praised him as an excellent student and musician, stating that his passion for music, kindness, and enthusiasm made him a cherished part of their community.
As court proceedings continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for Harris. His family started a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs and support their son. The fundraising effort has so far raised over $6,000.