What was meant to be a joyful night of football and community spirit in Heidelberg ended in heartbreak as Mikeia Sharkel McCray, a beloved mother of four, was tragically shot and killed during a shooting at Heidelberg High School’s football field.
Authorities confirmed that two people lost their lives and at least one other was injured when gunfire erupted late Friday night during the school’s homecoming game.
Heidelberg Police Chief Cornell White stated that one victim was found on the baseball field and another in the tailgating area near the bleachers. Law enforcement officials have not released details about the suspects or motive, but they confirmed that the shooter — or shooters — remain at large.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) and Mississippi Highway Patrol have joined local police in the investigation, gathering evidence and assisting families affected by the tragedy.
Heidelberg Mayor Robert Barnett addressed the community’s grief, emphasizing that the city would not tolerate violence of this kind.
“The City of Heidelberg will fully cooperate with law enforcement to pursue the person who caused this incident,” Mayor Barnett said. “We will uphold the law to the fullest because we cannot have things like this happen in Heidelberg.”
As the investigation continues, residents are being urged to come forward with any information related to the shooting by contacting the Heidelberg Police Department at (601) 787-3322.
Mikeia Sharkel McCray, who lived in Laurel, Mississippi and was originally from Heidelberg, was a devoted mother of three sons and one daughter. Friends described her as a warm, loving, and protective mom who worked hard to provide for her children and bring joy to those around her.
Her sudden death has left her family and friends shattered. Social media has been flooded with tributes expressing disbelief, heartbreak, and calls for justice.
Alexis Skyy shared an emotional message:
“I’m hurt cause they won’t even remember how they had a damn good momma 💔. It wasn’t nothing she wouldn’t do for y’all. She always told me she never wanted to leave this earth because she wanted to be here to raise her kids. I love you, Mikeia Sharkel McCray… I’m so torn.”
Lashay Jones, who was at the scene, wrote:
“💔 Literally two feet beside me, man. Y’all messed us up! Big Mikeia, we were planning our cabin trip for December. I hate this world we living in, babygirl 😥 Prayers for your babies. Love you girly.”
Leah Fenderson shared a chilling firsthand account:
“26 years of my life and I’ve never seen my brother break down. We were all just running out that gate together and in a blink of an eye, girl, you left us. I tried holding your head, rubbing your arm, calling your name… all I could remember him saying was ‘Noooo my baby.’ God, please give him strength.”
Her cousin Sheikela McCray Paige called for accountability, saying:
“Lord, our family can’t take a break. We love you forever, Mikeia. You were a shining star and truly will be missed. Rest peacefully, cousin. We need justice, Heidelberg! She has babies and a family who loves her dearly.”
The scene at Heidelberg High School was described as chaotic and deeply emotional. Police cars and ambulances filled the area between the football field and the Career Ready Building as crowds fled in panic.
Witnesses say the joyful energy of homecoming quickly turned to screams and confusion as shots rang out. Parents held their children close while others searched frantically for loved ones amid the chaos.
By midnight, police had taped off large sections of the school grounds and continued searching for evidence through the night.
The entire community of Heidelberg and Laurel is now mourning the loss of Mikeia Sharkel McCray, remembered as a loving mother, loyal friend, and woman full of life.
Her friends and family continue to demand answers and justice, vowing to keep her memory alive for her four children — who will now grow up without the mother who loved them endlessly.
“As a mom, I’m so hurt behind this,” wrote Daria Toneal. “Lord, bless those babies. Everybody that was there need to go to God right now. We will never be the same after this. Rest peacefully, pretty.”