LEXINGTON, MS – A shooting unfolded early Saturday morning in Holmes County, Mississippi, claiming the lives of three individuals and injuring eight others during a school homecoming celebration. Authorities report that at least two shooters opened fire into a large crowd gathered at an outdoor event following a homecoming football victory, sending hundreds of attendees scrambling for safety.
The incident occurred along a trail on Highway 17 North, just outside Lexington. The gathering marked a festive conclusion to the Holmes County Consolidated Schools’ homecoming festivities. Sheriff Willie March recounted the chaos, noting that between 200 to 300 people attended the event when the shooting erupted in the wake of a fight among several men.
Law enforcement is engaged in an active search for the shooters. Sheriff March highlighted that deputies were in the process of collecting evidence, including ammunition, to determine the number of firearms involved in the altercation. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is contributing to the investigation.
The victims have been identified as 25-year-old Martel Gibson and 19-year-olds Shundra Chestnut and John Jenkins. The swift and unexpected violence has left the community grappling with loss and searching for answers. The cause of the initial altercation remains unclear, though Sheriff March described the situation as seemingly not related to territorial or drug disputes.
The sheriff expressed his frustration over the incident, emphasizing the needless presence of firearms among young people. Authorities continue to seek leads to bring the suspects to justice.
Residents of the area, approximately 70 miles north of the state capital, Jackson, are now dealing with the aftermath of the devastating event. Many are questioning the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome, hoping for a resolution and peace for the affected families.
Community members urge cooperation with law enforcement to identify those responsible and prevent further violence.