LORMAN, Mississippi — Just as the sun began to dip behind campus buildings on Saturday evening, violence shattered the calm at Alcorn State University. Around 6:30 p.m. on October 11, gunfire erupted near the Industrial Technology Building, leaving three people shot. A 29-year-old woman, later identified as Brekyra Fisher of Vicksburg, died from her injuries, while the two other victims were rushed to receive medical care.
When officers arrived, they found all three with gunshot wounds. Claiborne County Sheriff Edward Goods confirmed that one woman had died and, though the other two were wounded, their exact conditions remained unclear in early reports. The scene, which had once been part of a routine weekend evening, was instantly transformed into a crime scene.
The university moved swiftly, sending out a shelter-in-place alert: students and faculty were told to remain where they were until campus police gave the all-clear. Meanwhile, local law enforcement and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) began coordinating the response. Chief Doug Stewart of the Alcorn State University Police has formally handed the investigation over to the MBI, with assistance from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office.
Coroner Kieon Neal confirmed the identity of the deceased, and authorities notified Fisher’s family. At this stage, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, with officials canvassing the area, collecting evidence, and working to piece together what led to the deadly confrontation.
This tragic event unfolded during the university’s homecoming weekend, adding another layer of shock and sorrow to celebrations meant to unite alumni, students, and community. Witnesses described hearing multiple shots — one said, “There was so many shots, I lost count.” Paramedics and law enforcement moved with urgency, and that night’s festivities were abruptly overshadowed by fear and grief.
In the broader context, this is not an isolated incident. That same weekend, separate shootings occurred at high school homecoming events across Mississippi, leaving multiple people dead or injured. While authorities have not yet drawn a confirmed connection between those incidents and the Alcorn tragedy, the ripple effect of violence across communities has cast a pall over what should be joyous events.
As investigators continue to dig — interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance, processing ballistic evidence — the Alcorn State University community is left grappling with pain, confusion, and loss. Families and students await answers. The search is on not only for a motive or suspect, but for understanding how a night meant for celebration turned into heartbreak.