Tragedy Strikes Mississippi Homecoming Events
High school homecoming celebrations in Mississippi turned deadly on the night of Friday, October 10, and early Saturday, October 11, 2025, as two separate shooting incidents in Leland and Heidelberg resulted in the deaths of eight people and left many more injured. The events unfolded in two distinct locations, casting a somber shadow over community festivities.
Leland Incident Claims Six Lives
In Leland, Washington County, a shooting occurred in the downtown area following Leland High School's homecoming football game. Initial reports indicated four fatalities, but the death toll later rose to six individuals. At least 10 to 16 people sustained injuries, with four of them airlifted to hospitals in critical condition.
Washington County Coroner LaQuesha Watkins identified four of the deceased as 41-year-old Oreshama Johnson, 19-year-old Calvin Plant, 25-year-old Shelbyona Powell, and 18-year-old Kaslyn Johnson. Subsequently, 18-year-old Amos Brantley Jr. and 34-year-old JaMichael Jones also succumbed to their injuries. Leland Mayor John Lee confirmed the shooting happened after the homecoming game, and as of Saturday morning, no suspects were in custody in connection with the Leland incident. Leland School District superintendent Jesse King stated that 'None of the victims were current students in Leland School District.'
Heidelberg Shooting Leaves Two Dead
Approximately 200 miles southeast, in Heidelberg, Jasper County, another shooting took place on the campus of Heidelberg High School during its homecoming weekend. This incident resulted in two fatalities. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that one of the victims was an expectant mother.
Heidelberg Police Chief Cornell White stated that both victims were killed on the school campus Friday night. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office identified and took into custody an 18-year-old person of interest, Tylar Jarod Goodloe, for questioning in connection with the Heidelberg shooting.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Governor Tate Reeves issued a statement, saying, 'Our state is praying for the victims and their families, as well as the entire Heidelberg and Leland communities. Those responsible will be brought to justice.' The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) has launched an inquiry into the Leland shooting. Investigations into both tragic events are ongoing as authorities work to gather more details and ensure justice for the victims.
9 Comments
Africa
Governor Reeves' statement offers comfort to those grieving, but the recurring nature of these incidents suggests a systemic problem. It's crucial that investigations lead to more than just arrests, but also to understanding root causes.
Bermudez
The loss of life is horrific, especially at community events like homecoming. Yet, simply mourning isn't enough; we need serious discussions about community safety and conflict resolution to stop this cycle.
Muchacha
Another day, another mass shooting. When will this end? Nothing ever changes.
Donatello
It's good that a suspect was apprehended in one case, offering some closure. Still, the fact that two separate shootings happened on the same night points to widespread issues that law enforcement alone cannot solve; community engagement is vital.
Raphael
This is a national disgrace. Our children aren't safe anywhere anymore.
Leonardo
Praying for the victims and communities. This is truly devastating.
eliphas
Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need real action on gun violence now.
anubis
Such a tragic loss of life. We need to come together as a community.
Loubianka
Justice? What about preventing these tragedies in the first place? It's a broken system.