Major Takeaways:
Nine people have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting at a Leland homecoming celebration that left six people dead and 26 injured.
Authorities say the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute but continue to investigate with help from state and federal agencies.
The tragedy has deeply shaken the small Delta community, where residents are demanding justice and lasting change.
Nine Arrested After Deadly Leland Homecoming Shooting Leaves Six Dead and Dozens Injured
A night that was supposed to bring a small Delta town together for its annual homecoming celebration ended in tragedy, heartbreak, and loss. Authorities have confirmed that nine people are now in custody following a mass shooting that left six people dead and more than two dozen others injured.
The shooting took place late Saturday night during Leland’s homecoming festivities, a tradition that normally brings together generations of families, alumni, and residents in one of Mississippi’s tight-knit communities. Instead, the sound of music and laughter was drowned out by gunfire and chaos.
According to investigators, twenty-six people were injured in total, with nineteen suffering gunshot wounds. Six victims lost their lives, turning what should have been a weekend of celebration into a scene of devastation.
The victims have been identified as 41-year-old Oreshama Johnson, 34-year-old Jamichael Jones, 19-year-old Calvin Plant, 25-year-old Shelbyona Powell, 18-year-old Kaslyn Johnson, and 18-year-old Amos Brantley.
Family members say these were people who loved life, who worked hard, and who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. One mother described her daughter as “a light who just wanted to dance and have fun.” Another relative said their loved one had come home from college just to celebrate the annual event that meant so much to the town.
The Investigation and Arrests
Authorities have confirmed that nine individuals are now in custody in connection with the shooting. Five of those names have been released publicly.
Teviyon L Powell, 29, charged with capital murder
William Bryant, 29, charged with capital murder
Morgan Latimore, 25, charged with capital murder
Terrogernal S Martin, 33, charged with capital murder
Latoya A Powell, 44, charged with attempted murder
Four additional suspects have been arrested, though officials have not yet released their names.
The investigation has drawn the attention of multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and local police departments. Officials say the shooting may have started after a disagreement between several individuals during the event, though the full motive remains under investigation.
A Town in Shock
Leland is a small city where everyone knows everyone. It is the kind of place where families gather in front yards, children play in the streets, and neighbors look out for each other. That sense of safety and familiarity has now been replaced by grief and disbelief.
Residents describe the scene as chaotic. Shots rang out suddenly, and within seconds, panic spread through the crowd. People ran for cover, others dropped to the ground, and some tried to shield loved ones from the gunfire.
Community members have since turned the downtown block into a makeshift memorial filled with candles, flowers, and photos of those who were killed. The grief is heavy, but so is the frustration. Many are asking how a celebration meant to unite a community could turn so deadly so fast.
One local resident said, “We can’t keep losing our sons and daughters to this kind of violence. Something has to change.” Another added, “We used to look forward to homecoming. Now, we’re scared to even show up.”
The Path Forward
Authorities say they are continuing to collect evidence, review video footage, and interview witnesses. More arrests are possible as the investigation moves forward.
City officials and church leaders have also come together to organize counseling sessions and community meetings, hoping to help residents heal and address the rising concern about violence in small towns like Leland.
For many families, the road to healing will be long. Parents are mourning children. Friends are mourning friends. And a town that once found pride in its homecoming spirit now finds itself struggling to recover from one of the darkest weekends in its history.
What happened in Leland is not just another crime story. It is a reminder of how fragile life can be, how quickly joy can turn into sorrow, and how urgently communities across the South need real solutions to prevent violence before it starts.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously, and every detail could help bring closure to grieving families and accountability for those responsible.
For now, the people of Leland are left holding on to memories of those lost, demanding answers, and praying that their small town never has to experience a night like this again.
