Corey Adams, an 18-year-old freshman defensive lineman at the University of Mississippi, was shot and killed Saturday night after a pool party in Cordova, Tennessee. Four other men received non-life-threatening injuries from gunshots in the incident that occurred around 10:14 p.m. on July 19.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner reported that the shooting started as over 100 attendees were leaving the pool party. Gunshots were fired from multiple weapons, with investigators recovering more than 40 rifle and pistol shell casings at the scene on Fern Glade Cove.
Deputies reached the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove roads, where they found Adams in a vehicle. Despite efforts by law enforcement and Shelby County Fire Department personnel to save him, Adams was pronounced dead at the scene. The four other victims reached local hospitals in personal vehicles, with three being discharged by Monday afternoon while one remained hospitalized.
Buckner revealed that deputies had earlier addressed a noise complaint at the residence hosting the pool party, but the issue was resolved. He noted that the shooting took place when attendees moved into the cul-de-sac after the event concluded, although investigators have not yet identified what triggered the gunfire.
The investigation is ongoing, with no arrests made so far. Buckner stated that authorities are searching for one or more suspects and believe shots were fired from at least two or three different weapons. He emphasized there was no evidence of an exchange of gunfire, suggesting the shooting was one-sided.
Adams’ mother, Chantrel Bernhart, spoke at a press conference on Monday with investigators, asking for public assistance. She mentioned that Adams had been at the party for only about 10 minutes before the shooting happened and was simply taking a break from practice. “My son was my all,” she said tearfully. Bernhart noted that Adams was pursuing his dream of becoming an NFL player when his life was unexpectedly cut short.
The New Orleans, Louisiana, native attended Edna Karr High School, earning a two-time all-state selection. In his senior year, he achieved 19 sacks, 62 tackles with 21 for losses, one fumble recovery, and four batted passes. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound defensive end received scholarship offers from 17 universities, including USC, Louisiana State University, Oregon, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State before deciding on Ole Miss.
Adams enrolled early at Ole Miss in January as a three-star recruit in the 2025 class and took part in spring practice. The university issued a statement expressing devastation over his death and requested the community respect the family’s privacy during this challenging time.
His former high school shared a tribute on Facebook, describing Adams as more than just a football player but also a friend, brother, son, and student. The Edna Karr Cougars expressed heartbreak and difficulty in understanding the loss, noting this was not supposed to be the end of his story.
Buckner stressed the importance of witnesses coming forward, noting that with more than 100 people at the party, someone must have seen or heard something pertinent to the investigation. He specifically requested that neighbors provide any surveillance footage that might assist detectives in identifying suspects or understanding the sequence of events.
The sheriff’s office has increased patrols in the Cordova area following the shooting. Buckner noted such incidents are not common for the community, and investigators are examining all aspects of the party itself, suggesting additional charges could result from their investigation.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274 or the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 901-222-5600. The investigation continues as authorities work to bring justice for Adams and his family.
