News Summary
The Bay Springs High School vs. Heidelberg High School football game has been cancelled due to safety concerns after a deadly shooting near a prior game. The West Jasper School District cited the tragic incident that resulted in two fatalities. Superintendent Dr. Jill Miller prioritized the safety of students and staff in her announcement. The Mississippi High School Activities Association has not commented on the impact of the cancellation. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, which has raised alarms about safety at school events across the state.
Heidelberg, MS – A high school football game scheduled between Bay Springs High School and Heidelberg High School has been cancelled due to safety concerns following a deadly shooting incident that occurred after a previous game. The West Jasper School District announced the cancellation on Monday afternoon ahead of what was set to be an important Region 6-2A matchup this Friday night.
The cancellation stems from a shooting that took place on the Heidelberg High School campus after the homecoming football game last Friday night. This tragic incident resulted in two fatalities and one injury. The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Chris Newell and 28-year-old Mikeia McCray, both residents of Laurel, Mississippi.
In light of the ongoing investigation and rising concerns about safety at school events, West Jasper School District Superintendent Dr. Jill Miller expressed condolences for the victims and prioritized the safety and well-being of students, staff, and families in her statement. The district made the decision to cancel the game to ensure safety for all individuals involved.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) has yet to comment regarding how the cancellation may impact the standings or potential forfeiture implications for the teams involved. The situation is under scrutiny as communities across the state grapple with safety at high school sporting events, particularly following instances of gun violence.
Culminating in this recent tragedy, police have made two arrests in connection with the Heidelberg shooting. An 18-year-old suspect, Tylar Jarod Goodloe, faces charges of two counts of capital murder and one count of possession of a deadly weapon on educational property. A second individual, 19-year-old Damarin Starks, has been charged as an accessory after the fact and for tampering with physical evidence.
Authorities are currently encouraging community members to report any information related to the incident. The police investigation remains active as they explore connections to similar incidents of gunfire occurring during homecoming events across Mississippi, which have raised alarms regarding public safety during school functions.
In recent years, incidents of gun violence, particularly involving young people at school-related events, have become a troubling trend in the state. Parents, educators, and local officials continue to express concerns about safety measures in place during high school sports events, given the increasing frequency of these alarming occurrences.
The response to the shooting in Heidelberg serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of students and spectators during school events. Educational institutions are now challenged to reassess their security protocols and create safer environments for their communities.
As the West Jasper School District and authorities navigate this challenging situation, the focus remains on providing support to the victims’ families and reevaluating the measures in place to prevent future incidents of violence during school activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Multiple Fatalities in Mississippi High School Shootings
Worker Dies in Quarry Accident in Pennsylvania
Additional Resources
- WDAM
- Wikipedia: Heidelberg, Mississippi
- WLBT
- Google Search: Heidelberg Mississippi shooting
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Heidelberg shooting incident
- ABC7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi shootings
- The Guardian
- Google News: Mississippi homecoming shootings
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana