Three Teens Charged in Death of Southern Miss and Former Ole Miss DB, MJ Daniels
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Following the tragic shooting death of former Ole Miss defensive back MJ Daniels Tuesday night in Hattiesburg, three teens have been arrested and charged with capital murder.
Daniels, 21, was killed Tuesday at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg.
Those charged in Daniels’ murder are Orlando May, 18, of Hattiesburg; Allen Marcus Gardner, 17, of Houston; and Samir Green, 16, of Hattiesburg, according to Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims.
Sims said the two juveniles have been charged as adults.
In addition to being charged with capital murder, May is also charged with one count of felony eluding, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of grand larceny auto. Gardner and Green are also charged with one count of capital murder and attempted armed carjacking.
Daniels was a starter at cornerback for Southern Miss last season. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior moved to safety for the 2024 season and was expected to be a starter again.
Daniels, who entered the transfer portal from Ole Miss in January, 2022, found a home with the Golden Eagles, tying for the team lead in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (4). He finished with 28 tackles last season and saw action in 12 games for Southern Miss.
Ole Miss football posted a tribute to Daniels on Wednesday.
Our hearts are broken over the sudden passing of MJ Daniels.
Please keep the Daniels family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. pic.twitter.com/bZ790MyAsr
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) June 12, 2024
The senior from Lucedale, Miss. played for George County High School and was chosen for the Dandy Dozen in 2020, the list of top players in the state selected by the Clarion Ledger. He was a four-star prospect.
Daniels provided some excitement on National Signing Day for 2020 as he flipped his commitment from Mississippi State to Ole Miss at the last minute.
Southern Miss and its athletic department issued a statement on Daniels’ death and also said counseling is available to members of the football team and those affected by his death.
“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. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
Daniels, from Lucedale, Mississippi, was a member of the Golden Eagle football team. He played his first season with the Golden Eagles last fall, after transferring from The University of Mississippi. In his lone season with the Golden Eagles, he registered 29 tackles in 12 games played and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three.
The University of Southern Mississippi Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and individuals close to the university. Out of respect for the family and all impacted in this matter, the University and Athletic Department will have no further comment at this time.”
May God bless MJ and his family, friends and loved ones.
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
