In the small city of West Point, Mississippi, 22-year-old Jerni White, a Black male known affectionately as 'Shug,' was a popular figure with a warm smile. A 2018 graduate of West Point High School, he had attended Holmes Community College on a full football scholarship, where he played as a starting long snapper and wide receiver. After earning his associate's degree in business in May 2021, he followed in his grandfather's footsteps and began a career as a truck driver.
On the night of
September 25, 2022, gunshots shattered the peace at the Timberlane Apartments. When the violence subsided, three people were injured, including Jerni White. He was rushed to the North Mississippi Medical Center, but tragically succumbed to his injuries on September 26, 2022. The community was left mourning the loss of a young man known for his outgoing personality.
The West Point Police Department launched a thorough investigation into the shooting. With the help of information provided by the community, investigators began to piece together the events of that fatal night. The first arrest was made in October 2022, and by November of that year, a total of seven individuals were in custody in connection with the case. The investigation was extensive, with law enforcement working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Six of the suspects, Jaylan Heard, Renaldo Carrothers, Lamarquez Evans, Terrance Rowe, Shaunmicah Strong, and Kevin Holliday Jr., were charged with murder. A seventh individual, Jaquerius Crawford, was charged with aggravated assault. In July 2024, a grand jury indicted the six murder suspects on charges of first-degree murder. While a motive for the shooting has not been publicly released, authorities have indicated that the incident was a senseless act of violence. The cases are now moving through the judicial system.
