Natchez woman dead in Lorman shooting

Published 12:00 am Friday, November 13, 2009

NATCHEZ — One Alcorn State University student is dead and another in custody following an off-campus shooting Thursday at a Lorman trailer park.

The body of Danielle Nicole Newsom, 22, of Natchez, was found at approximately 9:15 a.m. Thursday at Stallings Trailer Park on Mississippi 552, Claiborne County Sheriff Frank Davis said.

Davis said Newsom was shot five times with a .22 pistol. Two of the bullets struck Newsom in the chest and head.

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Eboni Bena White, 21, of Port Gibson, has been identified as the shooting suspect. White was arrested at the scene without incident and is being held at the Claiborne County Jail without bond.

Davis said Newsom and White both lived in the trailer park, and the shooting may have been the result of a fight the two students had earlier this week.

Davis said White accused Newsom of nearly running over her son as he got off the school bus.

Claiborne County Coroner James Mallet said Newsom’s body has been transferred to the Mississippi Crime Lab in Jackson. Preliminary autopsy results are expected today.

ASU is offering grief counseling to faculty, staff and students who may need assistance.

“The death of Ms. Newsom is a matter of great sorrow for the entire Alcorn family,” ASU president George E. Ross said in a press release. “We offer her family and friends our prayers, support and deepest sympathy.

“Although this incident happened off campus, our first priority is to ensure that the Alcorn community is a safe place to live and learn. We want to make sure our faculty, staff and students are taken care of during this difficult time.”

Those who seek grief counseling are urged to contact ASU Student Affairs at 601-877-6380.