Hattiesburg police spokesman Tate Rutland told the Hattiesburg American on Thursday that an investigation is ongoing into the death of Southern Miss University football player MJ Daniels.
Daniels, a 21-year-old defensive back, was shot and killed Tuesday night in Hattiesburg. In a statement Wednesday, Hattiesburg Police said they responded to a report of a shooting in the 6300 block of Highway 49 at 9:29 p.m. Officers found Daniels unconscious in a vehicle after being hit by gunfire.
Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klemm said Wednesday that Daniels' body has been sent for an autopsy.
Rutland did not provide any updates Thursday on leads, suspects or a motive.
Daniels is a native of Lucedale, Mississippi, and was a three-sport athlete at George County High School.
He began his collegiate career at Ole Miss in 2021 before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023. He started at cornerback last season and moved to safety this spring, where he was expected to be a starter again.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and athletic department are mourning the loss of MJ Daniels, whose life was lost in an incident that occurred off-campus Tuesday night,” the University of Southern Mississippi said in a statement Wednesday. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hattiesburg Police Department detectives at 601-545-4971 or Crime Stoppers at 601-582-STOP. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.p3tips.com.
Sam Sklar is a southern Mississippi reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow him on X at @sklarsam_.
