HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – Family and friends of a University of Southern Mississippi football player who was shot and killed in Hattiesburg are searching for answers.
Adrienne Jackson, the mother of 21-year-old Marcus “MJ” Daniels Jr., of Lucedale, said she couldn't think of anyone who would want to hurt her son. Daniels was well-loved and known as a friendly and generous person, she said.
“He's not coming back. That's the hardest part. My son's not coming back. My brother's not coming back,” she said.
Jackson said she had spoken to her son just hours before his death, and that Daniels was in good spirits and showed no signs of trouble.
“MJ was a lovable person. Whatever their reason for taking his life, MJ would have done whatever they wanted and walked away. He may have been angry, but there was no reason for what they did. There was no reason at all,” Jackson said.
Daniels' former George County High School coach, Tyler Denmark, said the football player was popular.
“I think today was the hardest day I've ever had with any former student, player or athlete, and that's because I got to know him as a person. He was more than just an athlete. He was the kind of guy who would give the shirt off his back to a classmate or teammate who needed him. I've never met anyone who had a problem with him,” he said.
According to Hattiesburg Police, Daniels was found shot to death inside a vehicle at the Ivy Row Apartments on Tuesday, June 11. No arrests have been made in the case.
“Do the right thing and turn yourself in, you've destroyed a family,” Jackson said.
McDaniels, a senior and former cornerback on the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) football team, was a member of the Ole Miss football team in 2021 and 2022.
USM Student Counseling Services is available to members of the Golden Eagle Football program and individuals close to the University.
Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is asked to contact Hattiesburg Police at 601-545-4971.
