A bright future was tragically cut short on May 26, 2022, when 12-year-old Adrian Hawkins McDouglas was killed in a drive-by shooting in Jackson, Mississippi. The young male had just attended his sixth-grade graduation ceremony hours before the incident. He and his 16-year-old brother were walking to their grandmother's house when they were struck by gunfire.
His brother sustained injuries but survived.
The celebration of a significant childhood milestone turned into a day of mourning for the family and community. Adrian was remembered as an 'incredibly bright star' by his school, Midtown Public Charter School. His teacher recalled him as a bright and shining light who always wore a smile. The family had reportedly moved out of Jackson due to concerns about gun violence but had returned for Adrian's graduation.
In the days and weeks that followed, law enforcement officials made several arrests in connection with the shooting. The investigation led to the apprehension of three male suspects. Otha Brown, 18, and Tarkuan Cohen, 18, were arrested shortly after the shooting. Brown was charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a stolen vehicle, and drive-by shooting. Cohen faced charges of murder, aggravated assault, and drive-by shooting. The vehicle used in the shooting had been reported stolen about two weeks prior.
A third suspect, 20-year-old Maurice Collins, was arrested by U.S. Marshals on June 13, 2022. He was charged with murder, aggravated assault, and drive-by shooting. Some reports also indicated the arrest of an 18-year-old female, in connection with the case, facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, and drive-by shooting.
