Three suspects have been charged in connection with the death of a Southern University student.
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Southern University Student Goes Missing
According to PEOPLE, authorities found 20-year-old former Southern University student Steven Harris dead after he missed a custody hearing for his son.
WJTV reports that Steven Harris went missing on July 17. Mississippi deputies learned about it on July 20 and met his family in Centreville. Deputies formed a search team on July 23. Investigators found a body, believed to be Harris, in Wilkinson County, Mississippi with multiple gunshot wounds.
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The Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office said Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, Calajia Jack, 20, and Allyah Martin, 21, face first-degree murder charges in West Feliciana Parish. Additionally, officials also charged Hollins with possession of a machine gun.
WAFB 9 confirms that Allyah Martin and Steven Harris co-parented one son. Furthermore, they had a custody hearing on July 18, but Steven’s absence raised his family’s suspicions.
According to WRBZ 2, Steven and Allyah filed multiple restraining orders against each other before their custody hearing. Steven’s parents stated he was ready to fight for full custody of his son at the hearing.
Harris’ mother Lasonia, said someone told her that Steven attended a party in Centreville, Mississippi, on the day he disappeared. She noted that his friends were unaware that he had left the state.
“None of them have ever remembered Steven ever talking about going to Centreville, Mississippi, knowing anyone from Centreville, Mississippi, or ever being in Centreville, Mississippi,” Lasonia said.
More Details On Steven Harris Passing
West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman and detectives believe Hollins, Jack, and Martin conspired to lure Steven Harris from West Feliciana Parish to Mississippi, where someone shot and killed him.
“We’re aware that Mississippi authorities are pursuing charges in this case, however, we believe the plan to commit this crime was hatched here; and the initial phases leading up to Steven’s death began here in West Feliciana Parish,” Spillman said.
WJTV reported that authorities are holding the three suspects at the West Feliciana Parish Jail and that they will be extradited to Mississippi to face charges. The outlet revealed that the investigation is currently ongoing, and the suspects may face additional charges.
Per PEOPLE, it still remains unclear whether the suspects have entered pleas or secured attorneys.
Deputy OJ Packnett voiced his concerns about the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to Steven Harris’ family.
“This is a horrific tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go immediately to the Harris family after such a tragic loss,” Deputy OJ Packnett said.
