Three individuals are in custody, accused of the shooting death of a Southern University student, named Steven Harris IV, aged 20, from St. Francisville, Louisiana. Harris was discovered dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, five days after he vanished on July 17, 2024.
Harris, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, was a respected member of the university’s acclaimed marching band, the Human Jukebox.
The accused are Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, and Calajia Jack, 20, both of St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Allyah Martin, 21, from Zachary, Louisiana. They face charges of first-degree murder in Wilkinson County and are also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana.
Harris was declared missing after he failed to show up for a custody hearing scheduled for July 18. He and Allyah Martin, the mother of his nearly two-year-old son, were co-parenting and involved in a custody dispute. His family’s concern grew when he didn’t appear for the hearing.
LaSonia Harris, Steven Harris IV’s mother, expressed profound sorrow and confusion over her son’s death. She described feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances, viewing them as an intentional act to harm both her and her family. She expressed a variety of emotions, including anger and pain, believing that Steven’s death was unnecessary and avoidable.
Investigators believe that the suspects lured Harris to Mississippi, where he was ultimately shot and killed. Sheriff Brian Spillman indicated that the evidence suggests the murder was planned in West Feliciana Parish. He stated that while Mississippi authorities are prosecuting the charges, the plotting and initial steps of the crime occurred in West Feliciana Parish.
It is alleged that Derek Hollins Jr. utilized a modified Glock handgun capable of firing fully automatic to kill Harris. Sheriff Spillman confirmed that Hollins admitted the weapon used was his.
The case has attracted significant attention, partly due to Allyah Martin’s implicated involvement. Reports indicate that Harris and Martin had previously filed multiple restraining orders against each other ahead of the custody hearing, indicating a strained relationship.
Hollins, Jack, and Martin are currently held at the West Feliciana Parish Jail, awaiting extradition proceedings to Mississippi. Their bonds have been set at $450,000 for Hollins, $365,000 for Jack, and $350,000 for Martin.
The investigation is still underway, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Deputy OJ Packnett extended his condolences to the Harris family, acknowledging the severity of the incident.
Southern University expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Steven Harris. The university’s marching band department recognized him as an outstanding student and musician, noting that his enthusiasm, kindness, and love for music made him a cherished part of their community.
As the legal proceedings progress, Harris’s family and the community are focused on seeking justice for the premature loss of a young life. The family has established a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and to support their son. The fundraising campaign has generated over $9,000.