The small Mississippi town of Leland, Mississippi — nestled in the Delta with fewer than 4,000 residents — is reeling after a deadly outbreak of gunfire during what should have been a joyful homecoming weekend. Around midnight on October 11, in the heart of downtown near Main Street, crowds gathered after the high-school game were thrown into chaos when multiple gunmen opened fire. Four people died at the scene, dozens were wounded, and a once-festive night became one of the bleakest in the town’s memory.
Days later, the death toll rose. On Friday, October 17, 25-year-old Ebanee Williams of nearby Greenville passed away from injuries sustained in the shooting, making her the seventh fatality in the tragedy. She had been treated at the University of Mississippi Medical Center since the night of the incident, county coroner records show.
According to county and state officials, 16 to 26 people were wounded, including at least 18 by gunfire, underscoring the scale of the violence. The shooting erupted just after a homecoming football game at Leland High School, and authorities believe it was sparked by a dispute between a handful of individuals who had congregated downtown. A precise motive remains unconfirmed.
In the aftermath, investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Field Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and local law-enforcement teams launched an intensive probe. As of the latest count, nine people have been arrested in connection with the case, and at least five have been publicly identified. Those named include Teviyon L. Powell (29), William Bryant (29), Morgan Lattimore (25), Terrogernal S. Martin (33) and Latoya A. Powell (44). The first four face capital-murder charges; Latoya Powell is charged with attempted murder.
Officials also revealed that among the six victims identified earlier were Oreshama Johnson (41), Calvin Plant (19), Shelbyona Powell (25) and Kaslyn Johnson (18), four of whom died at the scene. Two others died shortly after being hospitalized. With Ebanee Williams’ death, the total now stands at seven.
Meanwhile, the FBI has established a digital media-tips portal for the public to upload video or photos that might aid the investigation. The message to the community is clear: any information, however small, could help unlock what triggered the spectacle of violence.
The ripple effects in Leland are profound. Mayor John Lee described the scene as a “devastating blow” to the town’s sense of safety and togetherness. Local leaders and law enforcement have appealed for calm, urging residents to lean into unity and cooperative action as the healing process begins. The memory of what was meant to be a celebration will now forever carry a heavier weight.
In a place where homecoming weekend has long been a time for community, football and familiar faces, this incident has shattered the normal rhythm. As residents mourn, investigators continue piecing together the moments that led to the gunfire—and working to ensure that justice is served and that Leland can recover from the scar it has been left with.