HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Marcus "MJ "Daniels, a defensive back at Southern Miss, was shot to death Tuesday night at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg, a coroner said.
Daniels' body was sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy, Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem said.
Daniels, 21, was a starting cornerback for Southern Miss last season after transferring from Ole Miss. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior, who had 28 tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles last season, moved to safety for the 2024 season and was expected to start.
Southern Miss coach Will Hall and other university officials joined police and emergency workers at the scene of the shooting, WDAM-TV reported.
Southern Miss mourns the loss of MJ Daniels 💛
— Southern Miss 🔝 (@USMGoldenEagles) June 12, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniels family, friends, and Southern Miss community.
🔗 » https://t.co/NI34HYQ1Wy#SMTTT pic.twitter.com/GEN9bD3h3i
"The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels, whose life was lost Tuesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus," a statement from USM read. "We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."
Daniels played his first two college seasons at Mississippi before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023. He previously starred at George County (Miss.) High School.