A mass shooting during a homecoming celebration in downtown Leland, Mississippi, left six people dead and more than a dozen others injured, following the local high school’s football game.
The shooting occurred just before midnight on October 10 at the intersection of Fourth Street and North Main Street, near several local businesses including Pro Vision’s Restaurant, Cannon’s Sports Bar and Grill, and Uptown Pool Hall. The FBI reported that approximately 20 people were shot during what began as a disagreement between several individuals before gunfire erupted.
Washington County Coroner La’Quesha Watkins identified four victims who were pronounced dead at the scene: 41-year-old Oreshama Johnson, 19-year-old Calvin Plant, 25-year-old Shelbyona Powell, and 18-year-old Kaslyn Johnson. Two additional victims, 18-year-old Amos Brantley Jr. and 34-year-old JaMichael Jones, died later from their injuries at hospitals.
Five individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. Terrogernal Martin, 33, Morgan Lattimore, 25, Teviyon Powell, 29, and William Bryant, 29, each face capital murder charges. Latoya Powell, 44, was charged with attempted murder. Martin is being held on a $1 million bond, according to federal authorities.
According to a local witness cited by investigators, Latoya Powell and Teviyon Powell are aunt and nephew, and one of the victims killed, 25-year-old Shelbyona Powell, was Latoya’s niece. The FBI announced that other arrests are pending as the investigation continues, and agents are still searching for three unknown suspects—two women and one man.
Leland Mayor John Lee confirmed the shooting happened around midnight after people had gathered in the downtown area following Leland High School’s homecoming game against Charleston High School. The mayor indicated that four of the injured were in critical condition and were airlifted to hospitals for treatment.
Washington County Supervisor Mala Brooks, who was helping clean up the area where the celebration took place, described the annual block party as a tradition dating back to around 1970 when the school integrated. Brooks noted she observed some young men she didn’t believe were from Leland carrying backpacks shortly before the shooting began, stating they “stuck out like a sore thumb.”
Eyewitness Camisha Hopkins described the aftermath as resembling a war zone, telling investigators she witnessed people wounded and bleeding. Hopkins expressed frustration with what she perceived as inadequate security presence during the event, suggesting the town had failed its residents.
The small Delta community of fewer than 4,000 residents was shaken by the violence. State Senator Derrick Simmons, who represents the region, characterized the incident as senseless gun violence and noted the chaotic response as police, sheriff’s deputies, and ambulances responded from across the area.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves addressed the shooting in a statement, expressing that the state was praying for the victims and their families, as well as the entire Leland community. Reeves assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the FBI Jackson Division, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The ATF is providing DNA analysis and working to potentially match shell casings to other firearms using a national automated system.
Authorities have established a digital media tips website specifically for the Leland mass shooting incident, where community members can anonymously submit cellphone video, photos, or other media from that night to assist investigators. The FBI has requested that anyone with information contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips through their website.
The Leland Medical Clinic announced it is offering emotional support services for anyone affected by the mass shooting. Parents in the community reported having difficult conversations with their children about violence and safety in their own town, with many residents expressing fear about speaking publicly regarding the incident.
The shooting was one of several violent incidents that occurred during homecoming celebrations across Mississippi that weekend. Similar incidents were reported in Heidelberg and at universities in the state, highlighting a concerning pattern of violence during what are traditionally celebratory community events.