Cause of death: Marcus Daniels Jr, murdered in an apartment complex
Marcus “MJ” Daniels, a defensive back playing for Southern Miss, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg on Tuesday night, according to Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem.
Daniels’ body has been forwarded to the medical examiner for further examination. The 21-year-old was well-known on the Southern Miss football team and had previously excelled at George County High School.
Standing tall at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Daniels achieved 28 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles last season. He was in the process of transitioning to the safety position for the upcoming 2024 season and had been expected to start.
Southern Miss head coach Will Hall, along with other university officials, was present at the location alongside law enforcement and emergency responders, WDAM-TV reported. The university and its athletic department released a statement offering counseling to the football team and all those affected by Daniels’ passing.
Comment from Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims:
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Daniels family. We are doing all that we can to locate the perpetrators to bring justice to the victim and his family. We are asking the community for their help and to come forward with any information pertaining to this tragic incident and the untimely death of Marcus Daniels. We will share as much information as possible without jeopardizing the investigation. We are working closely with the university and local officials.”
Southern Miss mourns the loss of MJ Daniels 💛
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniels family, friends, and Southern Miss community.
🔗 » https://t.co/NI34HYQ1Wy#SMTTT pic.twitter.com/GEN9bD3h3i
— Southern Miss 🔝 (@USMGoldenEagles) June 12, 2024
Authorities are seeking information on the individual responsible for fatally shooting a football player from Southern Mississippi University
Southern Mississippi University is grieving the loss of a senior defensive back on their football team due to a shooting incident. Marcus “M.J.” Daniels Jr. passed away from a suspected gunshot wound on Tuesday night after a shooting at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Authorities are searching for potential suspects in connection to the incident. Upon investigation, Hattiesburg police discovered Daniels unresponsive in his vehicle parked at the off-campus Ivy Row apartment complex.
Forest County Coroner Lisa Klem informed local media that her office received a call at 10 p.m. regarding an incident at the apartment complex situated at 219 Ivy Row Circle.
The coroner declared Daniels deceased at the site, and his body was dispatched to the state’s medical examiner for further examination.
USM head football coach Will Hall and other university officials were present at the scene after the shooting took place.
Aged 21, Daniels was a senior defensive back at Southern Mississippi University and had previously competed for the University of Mississippi.
His sole season with the Golden Eagles was last year, during which he recorded 29 tackles and led the team with three interceptions.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels,” university officials said in a statement Wednesday. “We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Daniels, a Lucedale, Miss., native, excelled as a football standout at George County High School.
Chief Hardy Sims stated in a press release on Wednesday that Hattiesburg Police are actively pursuing the “culprits” to ensure that justice is served for the victim and his family.
Individuals possessing relevant information can reach out to Hattiesburg police detectives at 610-545-4971, contact Crime Stoppers at **Tips, or anonymously submit tips online at www.p3tips.com.
