In the late winter of 2024, the life of 17-year-old Latreasure Brashay Willis was cut tragically short. On the evening of February 29th, in Meridian, Mississippi, the young Black woman was killed by gun violence. Born in Hattiesburg and most recently a resident of Lumberton, Latreasure's life was just beginning to unfold. The shooting that ended her life took place in the 2900 block of 25th Street.
For months, the case remained without a public resolution, leaving a void in the community
and unanswered questions for a grieving family. Friends and loved ones remembered her as a funny and happy person who had a talent for doing others' hair and a smile that would be deeply missed. They gathered to honor her memory at a viewing and service held at Gateway Baptist Church in Lumberton in late March of that year.
Nearly a year after the fatal shooting, a breakthrough in the investigation brought a sense of progress. On January 16, 2025, the Meridian Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals, the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, and the MPD Gang Unit, arrested 20-year-old Labrian Willis. He was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Latreasure Brashay Willis. In addition to the murder charge, he faced counts of aggravated assault and shooting into a vehicle related to the same incident.
Labrian Willis's legal troubles did not end there. At the time of his arrest for Latreasure's murder, he was also charged in connection with separate shooting incidents that occurred in November 2024. These additional charges included shooting into a dwelling and another count of aggravated assault. Following his arrest, he was held in custody without bond as the multiple investigations against him continued.
