Three Arrests After Body of Missing Louisiana Student Found in Mississippi, Shot Multiple Times – Magnolia State Live

Three arrests have been made in the murder of a Louisiana college student whose body was found in Mississippi earlier this week.

The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office has reportedly arrested three suspects, including Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, of St. Francisville, Calajia Jack, 20, of St. Francisville and Allyah Martin, 21, of Zachary, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of former Southern University student Steven Harris IV.

Harris had been missing since July 17 and his body was found Tuesday, July 23, in Wilkinson County. He had been shot multiple times.

According to authorities, Harris and Martin were co-parents and were scheduled to appear in court for a custody hearing on July 18. Harris’ family became concerned when Harris failed to appear at the hearing.

The three suspects are charged with first-degree murder in Wilkinson County and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in West Feliciana Parish. Hollins was also charged with possession of a machine gun, officials said.

According to the West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office, Hollins is being held on $450,000 bail, Jack on $365,000 bail and Martin on $350,000 bail.

They are currently being held in the West Feliciana Parish Jail pending extradition proceedings, after which they will be transported to Mississippi, where they will face charges of first-degree murder.

“Through our investigation, we have gathered strong evidence that DJ Hollins, Calajia Jack and Allyah Martin conspired to lure Steven Harris from West Feliciana Parish to Mississippi, where he was fatally shot. We believe DJ Hollins used a Glock pistol with a trigger that allowed him to fire in fully automatic mode to kill Mr. Harris,” Sheriff Brian Spillman said. “We are aware that Mississippi authorities are pursuing charges in this case, but we believe the plan to commit this crime was hatched here and the initial steps leading to Steven’s death began here in West Feliciana Parish. … We will continue to work with Mississippi authorities to present a case that ensures justice is served in the death of Steven Harris.”

Spillman said the investigation is ongoing and encourages anyone with information in this case to contact the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office.

Southern University and expressed their condolences to Harris’ family in a social media post.

“Southern University and A&M College extend their condolences to the family, classmates and friends of Steven Harris, a recent sophomore majoring in criminal justice and a member of the Human Jukebox Marching Band,” the statement said.

“Southern University students affected by this tragedy are encouraged to contact the University Counseling Center at 225-771-2480 or [email protected] during normal business hours. Information about free 24/7 online and telehealth counseling services for students and employees can be found at subr.edu/counselingcenter.”