USM football player killed in overnight shooting; investigation ongoing – WDAM

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – A shooting investigation is underway after the death of a football player at the University of Southern Mississippi.
The shooting happened late Tuesday night at the Ivy Row housing complex on Ivy Row Circle.
Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem later identified the victim as 21-year-old Marcus Daniels Jr. from George County. She also confirmed that Daniels had been shot, and his body was being sent to the medical examiner for an autopsy.
According to the Southern Miss Athletics Department, Daniels, a Lucedale native, played his first season with the Golden Eagles last fall after transferring from Ole Miss. He was a standout football player from George County High School.
A journalist saw Coach Will Hall and other USM officials, along with police and emergency first responders, on the scene Tuesday night.
Multi-media journalist Delaney Dukes spoke with a resident who allegedly made the 911 call immediately after they heard gunshots.
WDAM 7 has obtained a response to the shooting from Ivy Row’s parent company, Caliber Living, saying it is cooperating with authorities in the investigation, as well as sending its condolences to Daniels’ family.
Below is Caliber Living’s full statement:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on-site at our apartment complex last night. Our hearts go out to Marcus Daniels’ family during this very difficult time. We are committed to supporting the authorities in any way we can to ensure justice is served. At this time, we do not have any additional information beyond what has been publicly communicated by the police. We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, and we will continue to provide any assistance necessary to aid in the resolution of this matter.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders who swiftly and bravely responded to the incident. Their dedication and professionalism are commendable. As a community, we stand united in support and solidarity. We are here to offer support to our residents and facilitate open communication as we navigate through this challenging time together. We kindly request privacy for Marcus Daniels’ family and respect for the ongoing investigation.
At this time, we have no further comments.
Thank you
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker took to Facebook Wednesday afternoon to send his regards to the Daniels family, but also urged the public to help law enforcement in its investigation if they have any information about the incident:
Here’s Baker’s full Facebook post:
In a news release from Wednesday morning, Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims released the following statement in regards to the shooting:
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Daniels family. We are doing all that we can to locate the perpetrators to bring justice to the victim and his family.
We are asking the community for their help and to come forward with any information pertaining to this tragic incident and the untimely death of Marcus Daniels.
We will share as much information as possible without jeopardizing the investigation. We are working closely with the university and local officials.”
The Hattiesburg Police Department has not released any further information about the investigation after questions were asked by WDAM. Here are the questions that were asked:
According to the department’s public information officer, Tate Rutland, HPD could not answer those questions at this time.
USM and its athletics department released a statement in regard to Daniels’ death.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels whose life was lost Tuesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus,” the university said in the statement. “We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
In the statement, USM said Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and people close to the university.
The university and athletic department said they will not have any further comment at this time.
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