Southern Miss football player MJ Daniels killed in shooting

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi – Marcus “MJ” Daniels, a defensive back at Southern Miss, was shot and killed Tuesday night at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg, a coroner said.

Daniels’ body was sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy, Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem said.

Daniels, 21, was the starting cornerback for Southern Miss last season after transferring from Ole Miss. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior, who recorded 28 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles last season, moved to the safety position for the 2024 season and is expected to start there.

WDAM-TV reported that Southern Miss coach Will Hall and other university officials were at the scene of the shooting along with police and emergency responders.

Southern Miss mourns the loss of MJ Daniels 💛

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniels family, friends and the Southern Miss community.

🔗 » https://t.co/NI34HYQ1Wy#SMTTTT pic.twitter.com/GEN9bD3h3i

— Southern Miss 🔝 (@USMGoldenEagles) June 12, 2024

“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Athletic Department mourn the loss of MJ Daniels, who was killed in an off-campus incident on Tuesday evening,” USM said in a statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

Daniels played his first two college seasons at Mississippi before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023. Before that, he was a star at George County High School.