On a Tuesday night in October 2016, the life of Tamerick Drummond, a student at Laurel High School, was tragically cut short. Shots rang out at the intersection of South 19th Avenue and Lincoln Street in Laurel, Mississippi. When police responded to the call, they found that Tamerick Drummond had been shot multiple times. He was rushed to South Central Regional Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The day after his death would have been his 17th birthday.
Tamerick was remembered by his father, Maurice Pruitt, as a great student who was on the honor roll, principal's list, and superintendent's list. He was described as having a great character, always smiling, and being loved by everyone. He had a passion for fashion and had previously played as a wide receiver for the Laurel High School football team. In the wake of the tragedy, Tamerick's family, along with Laurel Police Officers and counselors, went to the high school to support the grieving student body.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of 18-year-old Mekel Crumbly. While law enforcement did not immediately release a motive for the shooting, Tamerick's father mentioned that the two young men had a conflict. He also expressed that he held no animosity towards the alleged shooter or his family, stating that he was good friends with them and had known Mekel since he was a young boy. Following his arrest, Mekel Crumbly was jailed on a $250,000 bond.
