Bond has been denied for the three suspects connected to the shooting death of Southern Miss football player MJ Daniels.
Orlando May, 18, Allen Marcus Gardner, 17, and Samir Green, 16, will remain behind bars until trial. Each of the teenagers is charged with capital murder and armed carjacking. May also faces additional charges for felony eluding, and two counts of grand larceny auto.
The shooting took place on Tuesday night at the Ivy Row apartment complex near Highway 49. The trio is accused of attempting to break into a vehicle occupied by Daniels before shooting the football player. Hattiesburg police found Daniels deceased in his vehicle with gunshot wounds on Wednesday morning.
After investigating the fatal incident, law enforcement was able to track down and place all three suspects in handcuffs on Friday.
Daniels, 21, joined the Southern Miss football team in 2023 after playing two years at Ole Miss. The George County product was expected to be a key piece for the Golden Eagles once again in 2024 for his senior season.
Southern Miss officials issued a statement following Daniels’ death.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels whose life was lost Tuesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
Daniels, from Lucedale, Mississippi, was a member of the Golden Eagle football team. He played his first season with the Golden Eagles last fall, after transferring from The University of Mississippi. In his lone season with the Golden Eagles, he registered 29 tackles in 12 games played and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three.
The University of Southern Mississippi Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and individuals close to the university. Out of respect for the family and all impacted in this matter, the University and Athletic Department will have no further comment at this time.”
A funeral visitation for Daniels will held at his alma mater, George County High School, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Following visitation, Daniels’ family will lay him to rest at Merrill Cemetery in Lucedale.
