Jaraquist Cunningham, an 18-year-old student at West Lowndes High School, was a valued member of his school community, remembered for the positive impact he had on those around him. In a statement, the school lamented the loss, saying, “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of one of our own. Jaraquist was more than just a student; he was a valued member of the West Lowndes High School family. His smile, his presence, and his spirit made a difference in the lives of those around him.
He will be deeply missed by his classmates, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
On the evening of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Jaraquist was at a public basketball court in downtown Artesia, Mississippi. Shortly before 7:00 p.m., multiple 911 calls reported a shooting at the location. When emergency crews and deputies from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found Jaraquist had been fatally shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner.
The investigation into the young man's death moved quickly. The following day, the mother of 18-year-old Jaquarious Dionta Brooks contacted Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins. She requested to arrange the surrender of her son in connection with the shooting. Sheriff Hawkins met with the family at a local-area location and took Jaquarious Brooks into custody. He was subsequently charged with murder and booked into the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
A second arrest followed shortly after. Investigators identified another 18-year-old, Landyn Joel Brooks, as a person of interest. He was arrested on Thursday and charged with accessory after the fact. The sheriff's office alleged that Landyn Brooks had assisted Jaquarious Brooks in destroying evidence related to the homicide. He was also incarcerated at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center to await his initial court appearance.
In the days following the shooting, Sheriff Hawkins expressed his condolences to Jaraquist's loved ones and the wider community. "Cunningham was a student at West Lowndes High School. His death is a tragic loss," Hawkins stated. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Cunningham's family, friends, classmates, and the entire West Lowndes community during this difficult time. The loss of a young life is a tragedy that affects an entire community, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those grieving his loss."
The investigation into Jaraquist Cunningham's death remained ongoing as of October 2026. Authorities continued to collect evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. Both Jaquarious Brooks and Landyn Brooks were awaiting their initial appearances in court, and no bond had been set.
The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office has asked that anyone with additional information about the incident contact them at 662-328-6788 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the P3Tips App.
