Suspects in Southern University student’s death face murder charges in Mississippi
WILKINSON COUNTY, Miss. (BRPROUD) — The Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office has issued arrest warrants for the three suspects connected to the death of a Southern University student.
Steven Harris IV was reported missing on July 17. Mississippi deputies learned about Harris’ disappearance on July 20 and met with his family in Centreville. Deputies formed a search team on July 23.
A body, believed to be Harris, was found in Wilkinson County, Mississippi with multiple gunshot wounds, according to investigators.
The Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office said Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, Calajia Jack, 20, both of St. Francisville, and Allyah Martin, 21, of Zachary, all face charges of first-degree murder.
In Louisiana, the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged all suspects with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hollins was also charged with possession of a machine gun.
According to West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman, detectives believed Hollins, Jack and Martin conspired to lure Harris from West Feliciana Parish to Mississippi where he was shot and killed.
All three suspects are being held at the West Feliciana Parish Jail and will be extradited to Mississippi to face charges.
An investigation is ongoing and suspects could face additional charges.
“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.
Southern University confirmed Thursday that Harris was a sophomore student studying criminal justice.
Related: Read Southern University statement after student found dead in Mississippi
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