Three individuals were apprehended and charged with the murder of 20-year-old Southern University student, Steven Harris IV, from St. Francisville, Louisiana. Harris was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, five days after he was reported missing on July 17, 2024.
At the time of his death, Harris was in his second year of criminal justice studies and was a respected member of the university’s famed marching band, the Human Jukebox.
The accused, Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, and Calajia Jack, 20, both from St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Allyah Martin, 21, from Zachary, Louisiana, are facing first-degree murder charges in Wilkinson County. Additionally, they are charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana.
Harris was reported missing when he did not return home for a custody hearing scheduled for July 18. He and Allyah Martin, mother of his nearly two-year-old son, were involved in a custody dispute. His family became worried when he failed to appear for the hearing.
LaSonia Harris, Steven Harris IV’s mother, expressed deep grief and bewilderment over her son’s tragic death. She detailed her intense feelings of sadness, anger, and frustration, believing that her son’s death was both unnecessary and avoidable.
Investigators believe the suspects enticed Harris to Mississippi with the intention of murdering him. Sheriff Brian Spillman stated that evidence suggests the murder was planned in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, even though the charges are being handled by Mississippi authorities.
It is alleged that Derek Hollins Jr. used a modified Glock handgun capable of fully automatic fire to murder Harris. Sheriff Spillman confirmed that Hollins admitted the weapon used was his.
The case has attracted considerable attention, in part due to Allyah Martin’s involvement in the alleged conspiracy. Reports suggest that Harris and Martin had previously filed multiple restraining orders against each other before the custody hearing, indicating a tumultuous relationship.
At the time of their arrest, Hollins, Jack, and Martin were detained at the West Feliciana Parish Jail, Louisiana, awaiting extradition to Mississippi. Their bonds were set at $450,000 for Hollins, $365,000 for Jack, and $350,000 for Martin.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Deputy OJ Packnett extended his condolences to the Harris family, acknowledging the gravity of the incident.
Southern University also extended its condolences to Steven Harris’ family and friends. The university’s marching band department lauded Harris as an outstanding student and musician, whose passion for music made him a cherished part of their community.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus of Harris’ family and the community remains on seeking justice for his untimely death. The family established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses and to support Harris’ son.
