Hattiesburg police said Wednesday that Southern Miss University football player MJ Daniels was shot and killed inside his car Tuesday night. Daniels was 21 years old.
According to Hattiesburg police, Daniels was found and pronounced dead in the 6300 block of Highway 49. An investigation is ongoing.
“We ask for the community's cooperation and to come forward with any information related to this tragic incident and the untimely death of Marcus Daniels,” Hattiesburg police said in a statement. “We will share as much information as we can without compromising the investigation. We are working closely with the university and local authorities.”
No other details have been disclosed.
Daniels was the starter at cornerback at Southern Miss in 2023. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior moved to safety for the 2024 season and 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. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Daniels, a native of Lucedale, Mississippi, was a Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection and four-star prospect out of George County, and played his first two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023.
Southern Miss head coach Will Hall posted on X (formerly Twitter) “We are deeply saddened by the loss of MJ Daniels. His smile was contagious and lit up any venue. Please keep MJ's loved ones and the Southern Miss family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hattiesburg Police Department detectives at 601-545-4971. 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_.
