The University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) community is mourning the loss of Marcus “MJ” Daniels, a senior defensive back for the Golden Eagles, who was shot and killed Tuesday night, June 11 at the Ivy Row housing complex in Hattiesburg. The 21-year-old athlete, originally from Lucedale, Mississippi, transferred to Southern Miss from Ole Miss and was a standout team player.
Daniels was found unresponsive in his vehicle with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy, confirmed Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation by the Hattiesburg Police Department.
Southern Miss head coach Will Hall and other university officials were at the scene, joining police and emergency responders. In a statement, the university expressed condolences and announced that counseling services would be available to students affected by 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 statement read. “We send condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker also extended his condolences, urging the community to support Daniels’ family and the Southern Miss community. Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker expressed concern, saying, “This is a terrible situation. Please offer your thoughts, prayers, and support to the Daniels family, his friends, the Southern Miss football team, and the entire university. Hattiesburg is like a family, and Southern Miss is essential to our community.”
Daniels, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior, played his first two college seasons at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023. He recorded 28 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles last season and was slated to start as a safety for the upcoming season.
Three suspects, including two juveniles, have been arrested and charged with capital murder and attempted carjacking in connection with Daniels’ death. The suspects, Orlando May, 18, Allen Marcus Gardner, 17, and Samir Green, 16, were taken into custody by the Hattiesburg Police Department.
Caliber Living, the parent company of Ivy Row housing complex, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed its cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The company offered its condolences to Daniels’ family and assured residents of their commitment to safety.
As the investigation continues, the Southern Miss community remembers Daniels for his contributions on the field and his character and spirit. “He was a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him,” said James Ray, Daniels’ former coach at George County High School. “His loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”
The Hattiesburg Police Department has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation.
