The Whitsdom Press

Tag: mississippi

  • Homecoming Weekend of Horror in Mississippi

    This article discusses recent events involving gun violence, including details that some readers may find disturbing or upsetting. It includes descriptions of mass shootings and the tragic loss of life, including children. Reader discretion is advised.

    Last night, a time that should have been all about high school spirit, touchdowns, and homecoming celebrations, was instead marked by fear, chaos, and unbelievable loss. In at least two different states, events tied to high school football games were shattered by mass shootings.

    It’s a heartbreaking reality: our children, teenagers, and young people can no longer go out to have simple fun without the risk of violence. They went out to cheer, dance, and celebrate—and for too many, that simple night out became a fight for life, or the very end of it. Many young people went out expecting a great night, and sadly, some did not make it home.

    1. Leland, Mississippi: Homecoming Ends in Tragedy

    The most tragic event occurred in Leland, Mississippi, right after the high school’s homecoming game.

    • What Happened: Late Friday night, huge crowds were gathered on a main street to keep the homecoming party going. Gunfire erupted in the crowd.
    • The Loss: This shooting was a disaster. Four people were killed, and another 16 people were injured. Many victims, including teenagers, were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
    • The Pain: The entire community of Leland is now mourning. A cherished yearly tradition was completely ruined by an act of terrible violence that stole lives and left families with unimaginable pain.

    2. Heidelberg, Mississippi: Gunfire on School Grounds

    In another Mississippi town, Heidelberg, another homecoming celebration was hit by tragedy.

    Reports are saying this is Tylar Goodloe, who is now in custody.
    • What Happened: On Friday night, during the high school’s homecoming weekend, a shooting took place right on the school campus.
    • The Loss: Two people were shot and killed on the school grounds.
    • The Pain: For a second small Mississippi town in one night, the school—a place that should feel safe and supportive—became the scene of a fatal crime.
    • Update: The Heidelberg Police Department and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office were actively searching for 18-year-old Tylar Jarod Goodloe in connection with the shooting. He has since been taken into custody.

    3. Rolling Fork, Mississippi: Another Celebration Shattered

    • What Happened: A shooting took place outside the homecoming game for South Delta High School.
    • The Loss: Reports are stating that 5-year-old Legaci Deshawn was fatally shot while reportedly being held in her father’s arms.
    • More details and updates are TBA.

    4. Portsmouth, Virginia: Gunshots Near the Game

    Hundreds of miles away, in Portsmouth, Virginia, another high school football game was interrupted by violence, showing how widespread this problem is.

    • The Incident: During the final minutes of the game between I.C. Norcom High School and Churchland High School, reports of gunshots fired in the streets near the school campus quickly spread.
    • The Result: While the good news is that no injuries were reported at the scene, the fear was immediate. Police and school officials had to quickly clear the stadium to keep everyone safe.
    • The Impact: Even without physical injuries, the feeling of safety was completely broken. A routine high school event was suddenly turned upside down by the sound of gun violence nearby.

    College Homecoming Celebrations Turn Violent

    The wave of violence also struck university campuses celebrating their homecoming weekends, forcing students and alumni into danger.

    5. Jackson State and Alcorn State Universities

    • Jackson State: During the university’s homecoming weekend, a shooting was reported at the tailgate section near Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. One child was injured by the gunfire.
    • Alcorn State: A separate shooting was reported on the campus of Alcorn State University. This incident tragically resulted in one death and two injuries, one being a child, forcing the campus into a shelter-in-place lockdown as police investigated.

    When Will the Fun Be Safe Again?

    When children celebrating a football game or being held by their fathers are killed, it is a sign that something is terribly wrong in our society. These shootings are not isolated problems; they are part of a larger, ongoing crisis of gun violence that is taking away our right to safety.

    The question is not who is holding the gun, but how they are getting them and how we can stop this from happening again. We cannot keep losing our community events, our sense of safety, and our loved ones to bullets.

    To stop these tragedies, people across all communities must demand real solutions. This includes looking closely at gun reform—making it harder for dangerous people to get guns and making sure all weapons are handled responsibly. Our children deserve a world where they can celebrate, play, and go to school without the fear that they may never make it home. We must find the will to make that happen.

    It is a difficult thing to accept when a simple homecoming football game can turn into a battleground.

  • Update on Trey Reed’s Death in Mississippi

    The case of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, has continued to draw attention across Mississippi and the nation. The 21-year-old student was found hanging from a tree on the Delta State University campus on September 15, 2025. His death has raised serious questions, and both state officials and the family are taking steps to find answers.

    Autopsy Completed

    The Mississippi state medical examiner recently released an autopsy report ruling Trey’s death a suicide. According to the findings, there were no broken bones, bruises, or other signs of physical assault. Local investigators also supported this conclusion, stating that there was no evidence of foul play in the case.

    Family Seeks Independent Review

    Despite the state’s findings, Trey’s family has made it clear that they are not satisfied with the official explanation. They have hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to lead an independent investigation into the death. The family has also requested a second autopsy, saying that too many questions remain unanswered.

    Former NFL player and activist Colin Kaepernick is stepping in to help by funding the independent examination through his Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative. This support will give the family another chance to review the evidence with outside experts.

    “Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths. Peace will come only by getting to the truth. We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth,”Crump said.

    Questions About How the Case Was Handled

    Family members have also expressed frustration with how they were first informed about Trey’s death. They said they were originally told that he had been found in his dorm room, but later learned he was discovered hanging outside near the school’s pickleball courts. That confusion has fueled even more suspicion about how information is being shared with them.

    Officials at Delta State have said that surveillance video related to the case exists and has been reviewed by investigators. The family is demanding access to this video, believing it could be critical to understanding what really happened.

    Calls for a Federal Investigation

    The case has also gained political attention. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson has called on the FBI and the Department of Justice to open a federal investigation into Trey’s death. Civil rights groups, including the NAACP, have also raised concerns, pointing to Mississippi’s long history of racial violence and the need for complete transparency.

    What Happens Next

    While the state has officially ruled Trey’s death a suicide, the family and their legal team are pressing forward with their independent review. The results of the outside autopsy are expected to provide more clarity in the coming weeks. In the meantime, community members, activists, and students at Delta State are continuing to demand answers.

    The story of Trey Wright’s death is still developing. For now, his family says they will not stop fighting until they know the full truth about what happened to him.

  • Jakobe Lindsay, Mississippi Murder Mystery

    On September 17, 2024, 18-year-old Jakobe Jamar Lindsey was found dead hanging in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. His death has sparked public outcry and calls for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing. It has been a year. I haven’t found updates. It’s important to reignite this story. Two men were recently found hanging in Mississippi. This happened in Cleveland and Vicksburg on September 15, 2025.

    🕊️ Remembering Jakobe Jamar Lindsey

    Jakobe was known for his warm personality and infectious smile. Born on February 18, 2006, he was raised in foster care after his biological family faced challenges. Jakobe’s family tried hard to gain custody. However, he was placed with foster parents. According to his grandparents, these parents were unfit. They had connections within the legal system, which influenced the custody decision.

    @wardofthestate

    Huge thank you to @Sista Tiph for bringing this case to my attention. I have spoken to sources close to the family and they desperately need our help! #homesofhope #mississippi #purvismississippi #cbsnews #nbcnews #fostercare #adoption #wardofthestate #karlosdillard

    ♬ original sound – wardofthestate
    This TikTok video was made October 1, 2024.

    ⚖️ Family’s Call for Justice

    Jakobe’s grandparents, Anthony and Vanessa Bouie, have long sought custody of their grandson, believing he would be safer and better cared for with them. They allege that the legal system failed Jakobe, citing bias in favor of his foster parents, who were friends with some officials involved in the custody decision.

    The Bouies are particularly disturbed by the circumstances of Jakobe’s death. He was found hanging with his arms crossed and knees bent, a position that contradicts the typical presentation of a suicide by hanging. They believe this was not a suicide and are urging news outlets to bring attention to Jakobe’s case to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

    The Justice for Jakobe Lindsey campaign has gained momentum, with the Bouies appealing to the media and the public to help shine a light on this case and prevent further injustices. They are available for interviews and can provide additional information and evidence to support their claims.

    Currently, there are no official updates from law enforcement or local journalism to support the lynching claim. Still, the family’s request for a thorough investigation and public attention is vital for getting justice for Jakobe.

  • Two Men Found Hanging in Mississippi

    On September 15, 2025, two men were discovered hanging from trees in separate parts of Mississippi—one on a college campus in Cleveland, the other in the woods near Vicksburg. Although authorities say the cases are not connected, the timing and manner of the deaths have sparked deep concern about race, history, and mental health in the state.

    What Happened in Cleveland 🌳

    Early Monday morning around 7:05 a.m., Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student from Grenada, Mississippi, was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts at Delta State University in Cleveland.

    Campus police and the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office confirmed there were no signs of physical assault—no cuts, bruises, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an attack. Officials have not yet ruled on cause or manner of death, and the body was sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for a full autopsy.

    Especially online, the public has reacted strongly. Some have alleged Reed was attacked or lynched—a notion countered by officials citing absence of trauma. But phrases like “Black people don’t lynch themselves” have been widely shared, reflecting skepticism that Reed’s death was suicide, especially given Mississippi’s legacy of racial violence. Reed’s father also posted online that his son had started fearing for his life before he died, deeply unsettling many who saw a lack of clarity from authorities

    Cousin of Trey Reed speaks, Cleveland MS Chief of Police speaks

    What Happened in Vicksburg 🌲

    Just hours later, around 1:30 p.m. near Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg, the body of Cory Zukatis (also spelled “Zutakis”), a white man in his mid-30s and reported to be homeless, was found hanging in a wooded area.

    The Warren County Coroner said Zukatis had a history of drug use and homelessness, but authorities made no conclusions on whether the death was suicide or homicide. His body was also sent to the state crime lab for autopsy. Vicksburg police confirmed there is no link between this death and Reed’s case.

    Online misinformation spread quickly—some claimed Zukatis was Black, or connected to broader conspiracies—but officials clarified these claims were false.

    Be sure to subscribe to Mya Lamis on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@ElevateWithMya

    A Painful Coincidence 💔

    It is very sad that both of these deaths happened on the same day, with both men found in a similar way. This has brought up painful memories of Mississippi’s history of lynching, a form of racial violence used against Black Americans. Many people, especially online, have found it hard to believe that both deaths were suicides, given this history.

    IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, THESE WERE NOT SUICIDES! THESE WERE MURDERS IN MISSISSIPPI! NO FOUL PLAY-NO SUCH THING! AND WE ALL KNOW THESE POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN THESE SMALL MISSISSIPPI TOWNS ARE CORRUPT!

  • Alcorn State University Introduces Online STEM MBA Program with Unique Concentrations

    Alcorn State University is excited to announce its new STEM MBA Program, launched by the School of Business. This 30-credit hour program is designed to equip students with essential STEM skills and knowledge, fostering an interdisciplinary approach that meets the increasing demand for business professionals with strong STEM backgrounds.

    Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States. Located in Lorman, Mississippi, Alcorn State is dedicated to excellence in education, providing high-quality programs in various fields of study. The university prides itself on its commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

    This flexible, online program will feature engaging multimedia content, interactive exercises, and quizzes tailored to accommodate various learning styles. The STEM MBA program will offer concentrations in accounting, healthcare management, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, making Alcorn State University the first in Mississippi and HBCU nationwide to offer an interdisciplinary online graduate program like this.

    An initial seed of $152K from the MD-HBCU grant made the development of this program possible. Online registration is open until August 16th and the program will begin on August 19, 2024. Eligible applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a STEM-related field or relevant professional experience. According to the university’s website, the STEM MBA program offers 8-week modules costing 14k overall. Click here for more information about the program’s application deadlines, cost, and more.

  • Trouble in the Valley

    The content provides a detailed account of recent events and perspectives related to sexual abuse allegations at the university, whom shall remain anonymous. It offers a balanced view of different reactions to the situation. In light of the recent Katt Williams’ amazing and explosive interview with Shannon Sharpe, people have been coming out of the woodworks speaking on their experiences of long-term sexual abuse, misconduct, and more. To some, it is “clout-chasing” and to others it is “raising and bringing awareness.”

    On January 6th, an alum of a Mississippi HBCU who goes by “Dee Bee” posted on his Facebook account, “____ ____ was the ‘Diddy’ of valley, you gotta tell ____ no.” Within the 318 comments, there were plenty of laughing emojis, gif reactions, some shocked emojis, a few who agreed, and some who told him to not even bother with explaining. One person commented, “He’s not the only one either.”

    But “Dee Bee” went to YouTube with a video telling his thoughts regarding his Facebook post and his personal experiences with sexual advances made towards him and others while attending the university. “Dee Bee” starts off his video with “the (Facebook) post was long overdue in my eyes” and “this is really about people coming forth and telling their truth and telling their side…there’s been so many different times that people had to be quiet (or) things had to be swept under the rug.” He told a story about a young man joining a fraternity on campus, and was later approached at his dorm by his mentor asking “now that you got your paperwork…now that you are one of us, what are you going to do for me?”

    Dee Bee goes on to say that when he was a student at the HBCU, there weren’t people around to advocate for students in situations resulting to sexual harassment. He along with many other students were from out of town, so they had to form their own community and stick up for one another. Dee Bee recalled a few other stories of students who were (allegedly) sexually harassed and assaulted, and prominent staff members either knew or participated. He felt the “gatekeepers” of the university failed the students by providing zero safety or the confidence to report such incidents. At the end of the video, he encouraged his viewers to come forward with their stories.

    The comments of Dee Bee’s video was a mixed bag. One viewer gave her appreciation of “all of these factual points to light” and finishes her comment with stating people on campus misused their positions for sexual gain and if it isn’t discusses it will continue. Another viewer, KB, commented twice; first asking how does this video help the university. His first comment goes on to say, “Sounds just like a person who wants to feel important because these alleged stories is all he got.” Under that comment, people came to Dee Bee’s defense validating what he said. One respondent said, “It will help future students who are violated and harassed while trying to get a college education and join organizations. It ain’t right.” KB comments again asking Dee Bee how he cares about Valley but tear it down without regards to how this could affect enrollment. He goes on to say, “You let that Katt Williams interview trigger your own dislike for Valley.”

    Dee Bee’s video has hit 1,185 views and counting. More people are coming to Dee Bee’s original Facebook post and video repost saying they are proud of him for coming forward. In my opinion, Dee Bee did what needed to be done. Exposing those who were supposed to once teach, mentor, and protect the students as the predators they really are brings awareness to current and future students, as well as their families. But judging him and saying he’s bringing down the morale of the university is wrong. The staff members brought down the morale of the university by doing what they (allegedly) did or not holding those accountable for what they knew was wrong.

    Will this one video inspire others to share their story? Stay tuned…

    If you have been sexually assaulted or harassed, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org. It is available 24/7 and completely confidential.