A college football player from the University of Southern Mississippi was shot and killed this week in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, police said.
According to a press release issued by the Hattiesburg Police Department, Marcus “MJ” Daniels Jr., 21, a former cornerback for the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles football team, was found unconscious in his vehicle on June 11.
The police crime scene unit confirmed Daniels had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our hearts go out to the Daniels family, and we are committed to finding the perpetrator and bringing justice to the victim and her family,” Police Chief Hardy Sims said in a statement.
Sims urged area residents who have information about Daniels' death to come forward and said police are working closely with the University of Southern Mississippi and local authorities.
Daniels, a native of Lucedale, Mississippi, transferred from the University of Mississippi and played his first season with the Golden Eagles last fall, recording 29 tackles and three interceptions in 12 games, according to a statement posted on the school's official website.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and athletic department mourn the loss of MJ Daniels, whose life was lost Tuesday night in an incident off campus. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” the statement said.
The university paid tribute to Daniels on social media on June 12, posting a photo of him.
“Southern Miss University mourns the loss of MJ Daniels,” the university said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Daniels' family, friends and the Southern Miss University community.”
