A 16-year-old high school football player was shot and killed Friday night near the 300 block of Third Street in Belzoni, according to law enforcement. The victim was identified as JaKamryn Price, a junior who played defensive end and tight end for the Humphreys County Cowboys.
The shooting occurred shortly after Humphreys County hosted a football scrimmage earlier that evening. The Belzoni Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident. No further details or potential arrests have been announced, authorities said.
Humphreys County School District interim superintendent Dr. Stanley K. Ellis released a statement Saturday morning expressing condolences. He said the district’s hearts are heavy and extended sympathies to Price’s family, friends, classmates, teammates, teachers, and coaches. Ellis added that the district will provide additional grief counseling and support services for students and staff during this difficult time.
Community leaders announced a joint town hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. inside the O.M. McNair Middle School gymnasium. The meeting, hosted by the Humphreys County Board of Supervisors and School District, aims to address violence and crime in the area.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
