Six people are dead and four have been arrested after a shooting that took place in the downtown area in Leland on Friday night.
The six people killed in the shooting include Oreshama Johnson, a 41-year-old black male; Calvin Plant, a 19-year-old black male; Shelbyona Powell, a 25-year-old black female; and Kaslyn Johnson, an 18-year-old black female. Another victim, Amos Brantley Jr., an 18-year-old black male succumbed to his injuries later. JaMichael Jones, a 34-year-old black male, succumbed to his injuries as well. The official death count has now increased to six total.
Four people were arrested in connection with the shooting including Morgan Lattimore, 25, capital murder; Teviyon Powell, 29, capital murder; William Bryant, 29, capital murder; and Latoya Powell, 44, attempted murder.
“I only know from the information I have that four people have expired,” said Leland School District superintendent Jesse King before updated information was available. ”Some were still in the hospital and others have been treated and released.”
At About 11 pm Friday, school activities associated with homecoming ended with the final tailgaters and school officials departing the Leland football field. An annual block party event in the downtown area ensued, where shots claimed the lives of six people. “As activities were taking place uptown, there was gunfire, and a melee ensued,” King said. “None of the victims were current students in Leland School District.”
According to Leland School Board president, Brandon Taylor law enforcement is working diligently to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. “Everyone is just hurt right now,” Taylor said. “This is a total surprise and a tragic loss. Our families really need support and prayers. My condolences to the entire community “
Social media footage captured the gruesome scene as the crowd gathered for the event frantically moved away from and around bodies covered with white sheets as they lay lain in the streets.
“Nothing of this magnitude has ever happened in Leland,” Taylor said.
King painted a contrast between the unfortunate loss of life and the community cohesion that had taken place just hours earlier. “Everything was enjoyable-the parade, the coronation, the football game, and tailgating,” King said. “There were no indications or triggers that something like this was going to happen.”
