Mississippi Communities Shaken by Shootings at Homecoming Events
Destrile Jackson, a 2016 Leland High graduate, witnessed the horrific scene of a shooting at a homecoming block party in Leland, Mississippi.
I could see the bodies dropping as I looked back. … Just three minutes of continuing fire
She recalled reciting Psalm 23 as she ran for her life, then hiding under a Jeep while watching the shooters, described as "guys with black T-shirts", firing at the sidewalk.
- People participated in a candlelight vigil on Monday, October 13, 2025, to honor the victims of the gunfire.
- Jackson was hit by a bullet but not seriously wounded.
- The shooting occurred on Friday night at a block party following a high school homecoming football game.
Author's summary: Shootings at homecoming events shake Mississippi communities.