Six people are dead after a shooting that took place in the downtown area in Leland on Friday night.
“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.”
An unconfirmed report suggested a fifth person may have succumbed to their injuries early Saturday afternoon.
Around 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 presently unidentified victims. “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.”
The Delta Democrat Times experienced several unanswered attempts to reach the Leland Police Department and Washington County Sheriff Department. 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.”
The Delta Democrat Times will continue to follow developments as they become available.
From the Washington County Coroner:
WASHINGTON COUNTY CORONER DEPARTMENT
240 SOUTH THEOBALD STREET
GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI 38701
OFFICE: 662-378-4123 *FAX: 662-332-7037
LA QUESHA WATKINS- CORONER EMAIL: /watkins@co.washington.ms.us
Official Statement from the Washington County Coroner's Office
The Office of the Washington County Coroner would like to address recent concerns and assist in diffusing circulating rumors regarding the incident that transpired in Washington County on October 10, 2025.
On October 11, 2025, at approximately 12:38 am, the Washington County Coroner's Office was notified by the Leland Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office regarding a shooting in Leland, MS. I, LaQuesha Watkins, Coroner, arrived on the scene and observed four unresponsive subjects lying on the ground with no signs of life. The four individuals were pronounced deceased, and the next of kin was notified.
The individuals have been identified as Oreshama Johnson, 41-year-old black male; Calvin Plant, 19-year-old black male; Shelbyona Powell, 25-year-old black female; and Kaslyn Johnson,
18-year-old black female.
This morning at 10:25 am, our office received a call from the Hinds County Coroner's office that another victim, Amos Brantley, Jr., 18-year-old black male succumbed to his injuries. Shortly thereafter, at 11:50 am, we received notification from the Shelby County Medical Examiner that JaMichael Jones, 34-year-old black male succumbed to his injuries as well. The official death count thusfar, has now increased to six total.
At this current time, we are actively working in coordination with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that all information released to the public is accurate and verified. The remains of the deceased are in the care of the coroner's office and will be transported to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy.
We ask that the community please remain patient with the coroner's office and other investigating agencies, as we work to gather all the facts surrounding this investigation.
Additionally, we ask that you pray for and respect the family as they navigate through this difficult time.
On behalf of the Washington County Coroner's Office, we offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire Washington County Community.
LaQuesha
