A Pass Christian teen has been arrested and charged with murder after shooting six adolescents at a Bay High School after-prom party on Sunday morning.
According to the Bay St. Louis Police Department, 19-year-old Cameron Everest Brand was arrested in his home after opening fire at a residence in the 1000 block of Old Blue Meadow Road.
Officers have confirmed that a parent was present at the party prior to the shooting, which took place less than a mile away from the high school.
One witness reported seeing Brand talking with other teens at the party before leaving and returning with a firearm. Bay St. Louis Police Chief Toby Schwartz has since released that Brand has been identified as the sole shooter after hearing witness reports and victim statements.
Two of the victims, aged 18 and 16 years old, died at a New Orleans hospital after receiving severe injuries from the incident.
The family of the 18-year-old Pearlington native De’Arreis “DD” Smith stepped forward on Sunday afternoon, releasing that the high school senior had passed away from a gunshot wound to the head.
Haeleigh Stamper, who was later identified as the 16-year-old victim, was classmates with Smith at Hancock High School in Kiln.
“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the tragic loss of two Hancock High School students who were victims of the shooting in Bay St. Louis last night,” the Hancock County school district said in a statement. “Let us come together as a community to show our support and love during this difficult time.”
Four other victims, who are between the ages of 15 and 18, are said to still be receiving care for their injuries.
Two of the wounded teens attended Bay High while the other two were enrolled at Hancock High. Officials have not released their names at this time.
Authorities have told WLOX that Brand had previously been charged with domestic violence and carrying a concealed weapon after being arrested by Waveland police multiple times last year.
Brand is currently being held in the Hancock County jail without bond.
