On October 10, 2025, multiple deadly shootings took place across the state of Mississippi during high school homecoming weekend, leading to a possible ban on tailgating for the rest of the season. Six people, including three teens, were shot following the homecoming football game at Leland High School, and more were injured as the violence continued. At the same time, people were shot and killed at Heidelberg High School in the eastern part of the state. Nine people died between the two shootings, and nearly a dozen people have been arrested.
On October 13, Rickey Neaves, executive director of the Mississippi High School Activities Association, spoke about the deadly shootings on the organization’s weekly podcast, WAPT reported. During his discussion, he made a recommendation that could help ease the violence.
“I highly recommend at this time that there be no tailgates on school property. All these events seem to stem from tailgates, so we recommend from advice from our attorney that we stop having tailgates on campus,” he said.
The suggestion was merely that, and not a rule or requirement. If schools do want to continue hosting tailgating, then Neaves urged them to make sure people are following the rules.
“Alcohol, drugs, tobacco and firearms are not allowed on school property, so make sure that people coming into these areas don’t bring any of this in with them,” he reminded. “Don’t be afraid to have security remove someone from the game who is intoxicated or seems to be on drugs or who is just causing a disturbance.”
The MHSAA also advised schools to have more security during Friday night football games.
One of the deadly shootings took place while Heidelberg High School in Jasper County was hosting its homecoming game, the Laurel Leader-Call reported. Initially, two people were reported dead, with others injured.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office announced on October 11, that it had 18-year-old Tylar Jarod Goodloe in custody in connection with the shootings. Goodloe was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder and deadly weapon — on educational property unlawful for any person to possess. He is currently being held on a $2 million bond.
He was the first arrested, but he wouldn’t be the last.
WHLT reported that three more teens were taken into police custody on October 13. Police arrested 19-year-old Damarin Starks, charging him with accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence. Two more 19-year-olds, Jabari Collins and Jadarius Page, were later arrested. Collins was charged with deadly weapon — on educational property unlawful for any person to possess, while Page was charged with accessory after the fact.
An unidentified minor was also arrested for tampering.
The two initial victims were identified as 35-year-old Chris Nowell and 28-year-old Mikeia McCray. McCray was pregnant, according to reports. On October 14, police announced that a third victim, Cayus Stevens, died from a non-gun-related injury.
“We are heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this devastating time,” Heidelberg Police Chief Cornell White said in a statement shared by WHLT.
Due to ongoing safety concerns after the deadly shootings, officials from the West Jasper School District announced it was canceling an upcoming football game against Heidelberg High School.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the incident, which resulted in the loss of two lives and injuries to others. As the investigation continues, we are prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families above all else,” WJSD superintendent Dr. Jill Miller said.
The second of the deadly shootings took place in downtown Leland after the homecoming game at Leland High School. WAPT reported that four people, 33-year-old Terrogernal Martin, 25-year-old Morgan Lattimore, 29-year-old Teviyon Powell, and 29-year-old William Bryant, have been charged with capital murder. Another suspect, 44-year-old Latoya Powell, has been charged with attempted murder. Martin is being held on a $1 million bond.
The FBI is still searching for three more unknown suspects: two women and one man.
According to investigators, the deadly shootings in Leland, were a result of a confrontation among several people. One of the six victims has been identified as 25-year-old Shelbyona Powell, who was reportedly related to two suspects. The others are 41-year-old Oreshama Johnson, 19-year-old Calvin Plant, 18-year-old Kaslyn Johnson, 18-year-old Amos Brantley Jr., and 34-year-old JaMichael Jones. A dozen more people were injured.
