HEIDELBERG, Miss — What began as a night of celebration and school spirit ended in unimaginable heartbreak when gunfire erupted during Heidelberg High School’s homecoming football game Friday night, claiming two lives and leaving another person injured.
Among the victims was 5-year-old Legaci Deshawn, a bright and joyful child whose presence brought light to all who knew her. Heidelberg Police Chief Cornell White confirmed that officers discovered one victim on the school’s baseball field and another in a tailgating area near the bleachers. A third individual was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries.
Authorities say the suspect or suspects fled the scene, prompting a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Bay Springs Police Department, and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
Heidelberg Mayor Robert Barnett called the shooting a “senseless act of violence” that has left the city reeling.
“This tragedy cannot continue to happen in our community,” Barnett said. “We will pursue justice to the fullest and ensure Heidelberg remains a safe place for our families.”
Police urge anyone with information to contact the Heidelberg Police Department at (601) 787-3322 as the investigation continues.
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