GhLinks Media
Southern Miss football star and Lucedale, Mississippi, native Marcus Daniels Jr. was killed last night, according to Forrest County coroner Lisa Klem.
Daniels was pronounced dead at 10:04 p.m. and his body has been sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy, according to Klem, who said the incident remains under investigation.
The shooting occurred at 219 Ivy Row Circle at the Ivy Row Apartment complex, where a large police presence was seen after responding to a report of a shooting after 9 p.m. Tuesday.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels, whose life was lost Tuesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus,” a statement from USM read. “We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Daniels, who was 21 years old, was a starting defensive back for the Golden Eagles, where he had started 12 games this past year.
The George County High School alum spent the first two years of his college career at Ole Miss before transferring to USM.
Officials from Southern Miss also released a statement regarding Daniels on the morning of June 12.
“We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” read the statement. “The University of Southern Mississippi Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and individuals close to the university.
“Out of respect for the family and all impacted in this matter, the university and athletic department will have no further comment at this time.”
