Jerni White

Jerni White, a 22-year-old Black male from West Point, Mississippi, was known for his outgoing personality and warm smile. Friends and family affectionately called him "Shug." A 2018 graduate of West Point High School, where he played football as a wide receiver and long snapper, Jerni had begun a career as a truck driver. He was born on April 8, 2000, to William and Tracy White and was a beloved son and brother.

The peace of a Sunday evening was shattered just before midnight on September 25, 2022, when gunfire erupted at the Timberlane Apartments in West Point. When the shooting stopped, three people were wounded, including Jerni. He was rushed to the North Mississippi Medical Center for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries the following day, September 26, 2022. His death left his family and community mourning the loss of a vibrant young man.

The West Point Police Department launched an investigation into the deadly shooting. Investigators worked to piece together the events of that night, and their efforts led to the identification of multiple suspects. Six men were ultimately arrested and charged in connection with Jerni White's death: Jaylan Heard, Renaldo Carrothers, Lamarquez Evans, Terrance Rowe, Shaunmicah Strong, and Kevin Holliday Jr.

In July 2024, a Clay County grand jury indicted all six men on charges of first-degree murder. A judge set bond at $200,000 for Kevin Holliday Jr. and at $500,000 for each of the other five defendants. The case against Jaylan Heard was the first to proceed to trial.

In July 2026, jurors heard two days of testimony in Heard’s murder trial. After closing arguments, the case was sent to the jury for deliberation. However, the proceedings came to an abrupt halt when a juror revealed that they lived at the Timberlane Apartments, the complex where the shooting occurred. Citing this new information, the judge declared a mistrial. As of July 2026, a new trial for Jaylan Heard was scheduled for January 2027.