In the summer of 2024, a dark chapter unfolded in the life of a promising Southern University student, Steven Harris, a 20-year-old male member of the famed 'Human Jukebox' marching band. His life, full of vibrancy and dedication to his young son, was tragically cut short. The circumstances of his death point to a sinister plot born from a contentious custody battle.
On July 17, 2024, Steven was reportedly lured from his home in West Feliciana Parish under the guise of attending a party
with friends. He was last seen leaving in an unfamiliar vehicle. This departure was tragically his last. The following day, he was scheduled to appear in court for a custody hearing concerning his then one-year-old son. His failure to appear raised immediate concerns among his family, who knew his devotion to his child was unwavering.
The grim discovery was made days later, on July 23rd, when his body was found in Wilkinson County, Mississippi. He had been shot multiple times. Investigators quickly began to piece together the events that led to his murder, and their focus soon turned to the mother of his child, Allyah Martin, 21. It is believed that the custody hearing was the primary motive behind the killing.
Authorities arrested three individuals in connection with the murder, charging them with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The suspects were identified as Allyah Martin of Zachary, Calajia Jack, 20, of St. Francisville, and Derek Terrell Hollins, Junior, 21, also of St. Francisville. Hollins faced an additional charge for possession of a machine gun. The trio allegedly drove Steven to Mississippi, where the fatal shooting occurred.
In a step towards justice, one of the suspects has faced legal consequences. Allyah Martin pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. The cases against Calajia Jack and Derek Terrell Hollins Jr. are proceeding through the legal system. Steven's parents, including his father Thomas Harris, are now raising their grandson, left to navigate a world without his father.
