University of Southern Mississippi Football Player Marcus ‘MJ’ Daniels Jr. Shot and Killed at 21

Tragedy recently struck the University of Southern Mississippi when a football player on the university’s team was shot and killed at an off-campus apartment complex, the school confirmed.

Marcus “MJ” Daniels, a 21-year-old defensive back for the team, was shot to death while at the Ivy Row housing complex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on the evening of June 11, Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem told local outlet WDAM 7.

On Wednesday, June 12, Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims released a statement, shared with WDAM 7, asking for help from the community to find those involved with Daniels’ death.

“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,” the statement said.

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In a statement, the University of Southern Mississippi wrote a tribute in honor of Daniels’ memory.

“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,” they said. “We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

Daniels played his first two seasons at University of Mississippi before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi in 2023. He was a starter for Southern Mississippi during last season, tying the team lead in interceptions with three and had 29 tackles in 12 games, the school said.