LELAND, Miss. — A seventh person has died following the horrific shooting that erupted in downtown Leland earlier this month, turning what should have been a joyful homecoming weekend into one of the most tragic events in the town’s history. Authorities confirmed that 25-year-old Ebanee Williams of Greenville succumbed to her injuries on Friday, October 17, nearly a week after the mass shooting that left multiple people dead and several others wounded.
According to Hinds County Interim Coroner Jeramiah Howard, Williams had been receiving treatment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center since the night of the incident. Her body will be examined by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office as part of the ongoing investigation. The tragedy occurred around midnight on October 11, shortly after Leland High School’s homecoming football game, when gunfire erupted near Main Street where crowds had gathered to celebrate.
Authorities said six people were initially killed that night and many others injured. The FBI’s Jackson Field Office, working alongside local and state agencies, continues to investigate what led to the outbreak of violence. So far, nine individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. The FBI identified five of them as Teviyon L. Powell (29), William Bryant (29), Morgan Lattimore (25), Terrogernal S. Martin (33), and Latoya A. Powell (44) — each facing serious felony charges related to the incident.
Investigators have confirmed that at least 26 people were injured, including 19 who suffered gunshot wounds. While authorities have not yet disclosed a definitive motive, preliminary findings suggest the gunfire may have been sparked by a disagreement among several individuals present at the scene. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information that could lead to the identification and arrest of any remaining suspects involved in the case.
Washington County Coroner LaQuesha Watkins identified six of the earlier victims as 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 have not been released. Leland Mayor John Lee described the incident as a devastating blow to the small community, urging residents to remain united and continue supporting one another as the town mourns.
Local leaders have joined law enforcement in calling for peace and cooperation as investigators from the FBI, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and local police departments work to bring justice to the victims and their families. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to solving the case and healing the wounds left by this heartbreaking tragedy.