Ebanee Williams Obituary, Death – A seventh individual has passed away following the tragic incident that took place in downtown Leland, Mississippi, earlier this month. The event occurred shortly after a local high school’s homecoming celebration and resulted in multiple people being injured.
According to Hinds County Interim Coroner Jeramiah Howard, the latest victim, identified as 25-year-old Ebanee Williams of Greenville, lost her life on the evening of Friday, October 17, as a result of injuries sustained during the October 11 incident. Howard explained that Williams had been receiving medical treatment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center since the night of the occurrence. Her remains will be examined by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office to complete the investigation process.
The incident, which authorities say happened around midnight on October 11, left six others dead and many others hurt. Federal and local agencies have been working together to investigate the situation and determine the circumstances that led to the violence.
Robert Eikhoff, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, announced on Thursday, October 16, that nine individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the case. However, details regarding four of the suspects were not made public at the time of the announcement. Efforts by The Clarion Ledger to obtain updates on those individuals’ identities were not immediately successful.
The FBI’s Jackson Field Office identified five suspects who were already in custody:
- Teviyon L. Powell, 29 – charged with a serious felony offense.
- William Bryant, 29 – charged with a serious felony offense.
- Morgan Lattimore, 25 – charged with a serious felony offense.
- Terrogernal S. Martin, 33 – facing related charges and held on a $1 million bond.
- Latoya A. Powell, 44 – facing charges connected to the case.
Investigators said they are aware of 26 people who were either struck or otherwise injured during the incident, with 19 of them reportedly suffering from gun-related wounds. As of Monday, seven fatalities have been confirmed.
While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive behind what took place. The FBI indicated that early findings suggest the gunfire may have been triggered by a disagreement among several individuals who were present at the scene.
To assist in bringing all involved parties to justice, a $5,000 reward has been offered for information that could help identify and locate any remaining suspects.
According to Leland Mayor John Lee, the event unfolded just after midnight, following a Friday night homecoming football game at Leland High School. After the game, community members and attendees gathered near Main Street, a popular spot for socializing. It was during this time, the mayor said, that shots were fired, sending people scattering and prompting a large-scale response from law enforcement and emergency services.
Authorities from various jurisdictions, including Washington County and Hinds County, quickly arrived at the scene to provide aid and begin an investigation.
Washington County Coroner LaQuesha Watkins identified six of the earlier victims who were pronounced dead at the scene. They include 41-year-old Oreshama Johnson, 19-year-old Calvin Plant, 25-year-old Shelbyona Powell, and 18-year-old Kaslyn Johnson, along with two others whose names were not immediately released.
Local leaders and community members have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the impact this tragedy has had on the small Mississippi town. Residents have called for unity, peace, and continued cooperation with law enforcement as investigators work to bring closure and accountability.
The FBI, along with local police departments and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, continues to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and trace the sequence of events that led to the violence. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation to help ensure justice for the victims and their families.
