Steven Harris in an undated photo from Facebook
Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, a Southern University student who was reported missing on July 17th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman said they believe the hearing played a role in his murder.
“One of the suspects arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, is Allyah Martin, and she is the mother of their child,” said Spillman.
The 21-year-old Martin of Zachary, along with 20-year-old Calajia Jack of St. Francisville, and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins, Junior of St. Francisville, are also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hollins is also charged with possession of a machine gun. The three were arrested Thursday and are being held in the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center.
Spillman said they believe the three lured Harris under the pretense they were going to attend a party or meet friends.
“But that they traveled to Mississippi, the crime occurred in Mississippi, the homicide occurred in Mississippi and the body, of course, was disposed of in Mississippi,” said Spillman.
Spillman said they received information about where Harris’s body was possibly located, and West Feliciana detectives traveled to Wilkinson County and found the body. He said the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency and Harris’ body was sent to Jackson for an autopsy.
He said it’s a heartbreaking case and Spillman recalls when he had to make the death notification to Harris’ parents early this week…
“And the year-and-a-half-year-old child is taking a nap there in the same room, it makes it very difficult,” said Harris.
Spillman expects the three will soon face charges in Mississippi also.
Harris lived in St. Francisville with his parents and attended Southern University.
Southern University issued this statement.
Southern University and A&M College extends condolences to the family, classmates, and friends of Steven Harris, who was most recently a sophomore majoring in criminal justice and a member of the “Human Jukebox” Marching Band.
Southern University students who are affected by this tragedy are encouraged to contact the University Counseling Center at 225-771-2480 or counselingcenter@subr.edu 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.
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