TUPELO, Miss. — Authorities in Tupelo are investigating a tragic shooting that left a 14-year-old boy dead and another person injured Thursday evening at the Nathaniel Place Apartments. The incident has shaken the community and prompted calls for peace and accountability as police work to uncover what led to the violence.
According to the Tupelo Police Department, officers responded around 7:40 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire at the apartment complex. When they arrived, they found two individuals suffering from injuries. Emergency responders provided immediate aid before transporting both victims to a nearby hospital. Sadly, one of them — identified by Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green as 14-year-old Demario Faulkner — did not survive. The second victim, whose identity has not been released, is expected to recover.
Police confirmed that one person has been taken into custody in connection with the case, though no further details have been released regarding their identity or potential charges. Detectives spent several hours processing the scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to piece together the sequence of events. Officials have said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident, stressing that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The loss of such a young life has deeply impacted the Plantersville Middle School community, where Demario was a student. School administrators released a statement Friday expressing their grief and extending condolences to his family, friends, and classmates. Grief counselors have been made available to support students and staff as they process the tragedy. Community members have also shared messages of sympathy on social media, remembering Demario as a kind and energetic boy whose life was cut short far too soon.
Local leaders and faith-based organizations are planning gatherings in the coming days to help the community heal and to promote peaceful conflict resolution. Many have emphasized the importance of communication and mentorship programs to prevent future violence among youth. Advocates say the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger community engagement and youth support initiatives.
The Tupelo Police Department has pledged to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, ensuring justice for Demario and his loved ones. Officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi. Even the smallest detail, police say, could help bring clarity and closure to this heartbreaking case.