In the small community of Brookhaven, Mississippi, the life of 17-year-old James Wesley Blazier was cut tragically short on March 27, 2016. A white male, Blazier was a student at Enterprise Attendance Center, known for his affable nature and athletic abilities on the football field. His death occurred during what was supposed to be a night of youthful camaraderie, forever altering the lives of those present.
On the night of March 26, 2016, a group of students gathered for a party at a
residence on Highway 550. At some point during the gathering, firearms were introduced and handled by the attendees. In a moment that would prove fatal, a pistol held by another 17-year-old, Steven Brody Evans, discharged. The single bullet struck James Wesley Blazier in the head. Emergency services were called, and Blazier was initially rushed to King's Daughter Medical Center before being transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was pronounced dead at 2:56 a.m. on March 27.
The immediate aftermath of the shooting sent shockwaves through the Brookhaven community. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the incident, which they described as appearing to be an accidental shooting. Steven Brody Evans was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter. He was later released on a $50,000 bond.
The case against Evans was scheduled to be presented to a grand jury for their consideration of the evidence and to determine if there was enough cause to proceed with a formal indictment. The community mourned the loss of a young man described by his football coach as a dedicated player who always encouraged his teammates. His principal remembered him as a likable and active student, and the school made counseling services available to help students cope with the tragedy. The final disposition of the manslaughter charge against Steven Brody Evans following the grand jury review is not publicly documented in the available online sources.
