In the early hours of the Fourth of July, 2026, the small town of Centreville, Mississippi, was rocked by a tragic burst of violence. What should have been a festive time turned into a scene of chaos and sorrow when gunfire erupted near the Orchard Café and Best G's Store on Highway 24. Just before 1 a.m., multiple shots were fired, leading to a mass shooting that would leave an indelible scar on the community.
When the shooting ceased, nine individuals had been struck by bullets, their holiday celebrations abruptly ending in a nightmare of sirens and fear. The injured were rushed to Fields Health System in private vehicles, overwhelming the local hospital with the sudden influx of gunshot victims.
Among the victims were two young men whose lives were tragically cut short. Donovan Jackson, a 22-year-old Black male, and 19-year-old Dekevion Andrews were identified as the two fatalities in the shooting. Seven other individuals, including four minors aged between 14 and 17, sustained injuries. The community was left in shock and mourning as news of the deaths of Donovan and Dekevion spread. The immediate aftermath of the shooting saw a heavy police presence as the Centreville Police Department, the Wilkinson County Sheriff's Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation launched a joint investigation into the horrific event.
In the days that followed, the town of Centreville grappled with the violence that had shattered its peace. A curfew was imposed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in an effort to ensure public safety and prevent any further incidents. The weight of the investigation and the public's demand for answers led to the resignation of the interim police chief just days after the shooting. A new interim chief was appointed as the investigation continued. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the murders of Donovan Jackson and Dekevion Andrews. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. A $5,000 reward has been offered by Southwest Mississippi Crime Stoppers for any information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting. The case remains an active and ongoing investigation, with a community anxiously awaiting justice for the two young lives lost and the many others affected by this senseless act of violence.
