Henderson State University basketball player Jamarion Brown, 23, died after being shot in the head at a pool party in east Camp County, Texas, in the early hours of May 24. A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting.
Deputies responded to multiple calls reporting a shooting at the pool party on Friday, May 23, and found Brown seriously injured from a gunshot wound to the head. The Camp County Sheriff’s Office reported that a helicopter arrived at the scene, but Brown was too injured to be immediately transported by air. He was taken to a nearby hospital before being flown to a Tyler, Texas hospital where he later died.
Onterrian Jamour Newton, 17, of Mount Pleasant, Texas, was arrested on May 28 and charged with murder. Newton remains in the Camp County Jail with no bond set. The sheriff’s office indicated that additional charges are pending related to two other individuals who were injured during the shooting.
Two other victims sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds during the incident. One person was shot in the leg while another was shot in the hip. Camp County Sheriff John Cortelyou noted that charges related to these additional injuries are still pending against Newton.
Brown, also from Mount Pleasant, Texas, was a junior guard for the Henderson State Reddies. He had transferred to the Division II school in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, from Southwestern Christian College and completed just one season with the team. During the 2024-25 season, Brown averaged 6.5 points and 3.6 rebounds across 23.6 minutes per game.
Henderson State University released statements mourning Brown’s death. The athletics department described how Brown spent just one season in Arkadelphia but made a profound impact on campus. University officials noted that his warmth and welcoming personality made him one of the most recognizable and respected students among peers, faculty and staff. They emphasized that his smile lit up rooms and his dedication to friends showed through in daily interactions.
On the basketball court, university officials characterized Brown as a fiery competitor and beloved teammate who became an integral part of the 2024-25 men’s basketball team. They highlighted his toughness, work ethic, selflessness and winning attitude, stating he epitomized the Reddie Spirit and brought honor to both himself and Henderson State in his gameplay.
Henderson State men’s basketball coach Jimmy Elgas expressed the team’s grief over the loss. Elgas stated, “His loss leaves a tremendous void on our campus.” The coach indicated that Brown’s impact was felt not only on the basketball court but throughout the fabric of Henderson State University, and the entire community grieves together. He emphasized that Brown will be remembered and honored in their hearts forever.
According to Brown’s obituary, he leaves behind a fiancée, Sydni Parrish, as well as his parents and 10 siblings. The obituary described Brown as someone who was a shining light to all who knew him, remembered for his warm spirit, deep commitment to family, and passion for basketball. It noted that whether on or off the court, Brown’s kindness, determination and dedication were evident in everything he did.
The obituary emphasized that basketball was one of Brown’s greatest passions, a game he played with heart, discipline and joy. However, it noted that his other passion was family, which served as the center of his life and the source of his strength. The memorial statement indicated that though his time was far too short, Brown’s life was filled with purpose and love, leaving behind countless cherished memories and a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Henderson State posted a memorial on social media featuring Brown’s photo with the caption honoring his memory and identifying him as forever a Reddie. The university described Brown as leaving behind a legacy of love, faith and determination.
The Texas Rangers are conducting an investigation into the shooting incident. The case represents an ongoing investigation with additional charges potentially forthcoming as the legal proceedings continue against Newton.