Marcus “MJ” Daniels, a senior defensive back for the University of Southern Mississippi’s (Southern Miss) Golden Eagles, was fatally shot on the night of June 11 at the Ivy Row housing complex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Daniels, a 21-year-old athlete hailing from Lucedale, Mississippi, was a significant player for the team, having transferred from Ole Miss.
Daniels was discovered in his vehicle, unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene. Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem confirmed that his body had been transferred to a medical examiner for autopsy. The Hattiesburg Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances of the shooting.
University officials, including Southern Miss head coach Will Hall, were present at the scene along with police and emergency responders. The university issued a statement expressing its condolences and announcing that counseling services would be made available for students affected by Daniels’ death. “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,” read the statement. “We send condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker also expressed his condolences, urging the community to support Daniels’ family and the Southern Miss community. He said, “This is a terrible situation. Please offer your thoughts, prayers, and support to the Daniels family, his friends, the Southern Miss football team, and the entire university. Hattiesburg is like a family, and Southern Miss is essential to our community.”
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Daniels played his first two college seasons at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023. He tallied 28 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles in the previous season and was expected to start as a safety in the forthcoming season.
Three individuals, two of whom are juveniles, have been apprehended in connection with Daniels’ death. The suspects, Orlando May, 18, Allen Marcus Gardner, 17, and Samir Green, 16, have been charged with capital murder and attempted carjacking by the Hattiesburg Police Department.
Caliber Living, the parent company of the Ivy Row housing complex, expressed its deep regret over the incident and assured its cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The company extended its condolences to Daniels’ family and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its residents.
As the investigation proceeds, the Southern Miss community is remembering Daniels for his contributions to the football field and his character. “He was a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him,” said James Ray, Daniels’ former coach at George County High School. “His loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”
The Hattiesburg Police Department has encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
