LEXINGTON, MS – A joyous homecoming celebration turned into chaos early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted at an outdoor party in Holmes County, Mississippi, leaving three dead and eight injured. The shooting occurred along Highway 17 North, just outside Lexington, and came after a football victory for Holmes County Consolidated Schools.
The gathering, which drew between 200 and 300 people, was meant to be a lively celebration of the school’s win. Instead, it quickly became the site of one of the deadliest mass shootings in Mississippi this year.
Victims and Chaos at the Scene
Holmes County Sheriff Willie March described a horrific scene as people fled in panic. “It was chaos, to tell you the truth,” March said in a phone interview. “The shooting just started, and people started running.”
The three victims were identified as Martel Gibson, 25, of Durant; Shundra Chestnut, 19, of Kosciusko; and John Jenkins, 19, of Durant. Eight others suffered injuries from the gunfire, with some airlifted to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions have not been made public.
Authorities say that the shooting was preceded by a fight among a group of men at the party, though the exact cause of the altercation remains unknown. Sheriff March emphasized that investigators are still working to determine a motive, adding, “It’s hard to see what they are fighting over. I don’t think it’s turf or drugs; these are just young men walking around with weapons.”
Suspects Still at Large
Law enforcement officials believe that at least two suspects opened fire, but no arrests have been made. Deputies were on the scene collecting ammunition to determine how many firearms were involved. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is assisting with the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
March urged the community to come forward with any information that could help identify the shooters. “We’re asking questions, but everyone’s saying they didn’t see an incident or squabble or anything,” he said. “We’re trying to find a motive ourselves.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Shocked Community Members
Joe Johnson, co-owner of the field where the celebration was held, described the scene as terrifying. Johnson, who was present when the shots rang out, recalled hearing the rapid fire that sounded “like a machine gun.” The event was supposed to end within 30 minutes when gunfire erupted.
“I was about to tell people that it was almost over, and then I heard the shots,” Johnson said. “It was just so much innocent blood being shed, and that’s what hurts the most.”
Johnson, an ordained minister, expressed his sorrow over the violence. “I’d just like to be able to talk to our young people and tell them to love one another,” he added. His nephew was among the injured, while his two sons were present but unharmed. “It was just the goodness of God that they didn’t get shot up,” Johnson said.
A Rising Trend of Violence
The tragic shooting in Holmes County follows a similar incident that occurred just a week earlier during homecoming festivities in Nashville, Tennessee, where one person was killed and nine others injured. The rise in violence during celebratory gatherings has alarmed communities and law enforcement alike.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 420 mass shootings in the United States so far this year. A mass shooting is defined as an event where four or more people are injured or killed, excluding the shooter.
Community Calls for Change
Saturday’s shooting has left the Holmes County community reeling, with many residents expressing concerns over the growing trend of gun violence. Local leaders are calling for more resources to combat violence, particularly among young people.
“We need more outreach programs, more mentors, and more opportunities for these kids,” said local pastor Rev. Brian Walker. “Right now, they’re turning to guns instead of guidance.”
Holmes County residents are also urging local authorities to increase security at large events. Johnson noted that while security measures were in place, weapons still managed to get through. “We had security there, and they’ve confiscated weapons before, but this time they got through,” he said.
The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about gun control and community safety in Mississippi. State Senator Jackson Harris, who represents the district, issued a statement calling for stricter gun laws to prevent such incidents from happening again. “We can’t keep losing our youth to senseless violence,” Harris said.
Moving Forward: The Investigation Continues
Sheriff March confirmed that deputies and MBI agents actively work the case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue leads. He asked for patience as the investigation unfolded and encouraged community members to come forward if they had information.
“We want to bring justice to these families,” March stated. “It’s heartbreaking, and we’re committed to finding those responsible.”
Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left to grieve. “We just want answers and accountability,” said Cynthia Gibson, mother of victim Martel Gibson. “I never thought I’d be burying my child over something like this.”
As the investigation continues, Holmes County officials plan to hold a community meeting to discuss safety measures and offer support to those affected. The gathering is scheduled for early next week.
