3 suspects charged with murder after Southern University student’s body found in Wilkinson County
Published 2:43 pm Friday, July 26, 2024
- Southern University shared this photo of Steven Harris IV, whose body was located in Wilkinson County on Tuesday after he had been shot multiple times.
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WEST FELICIANA PARISH, La. — Three arrests have been made for the murder of a Southern University student whose body was found earlier this week in Wilkinson County.
The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office has reportedly arrested three suspects including Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, of St. Francisville, Calajia Jack, 20, of St. Francisville and Allyah Martin, 21, of Zachary, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of former Southern University student Steven Harris IV.
Harris had been missing since July 17 and his body was found Tuesday, July 23, in Wilkinson County. He was shot multiple times.
Authorities said Harris and Martin were co-parents due in court on July 18 for a custody matter, and Harris’s family became concerned when Harris did not appear for the hearing.
The three suspects are facing charges of first-degree murder in Wilkinson County and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in West Feliciana Parish. Hollins was also charged with possession of a machine gun, officials said.
Hollins is held on a $450,000 bond, Jack on a $365,000 bond and Martin on a $350,000 bond according to the West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office.
They are currently being held at the West Feliciana Parish Jail awaiting extradition proceedings before they will be transported to Mississippi where they will be facing first-degree murder charges.
“Through our investigation, we developed strong evidence that DJ Hollins, Calajia Jack and Allyah Martin conspired to lure Steven Harris from West Feliciana Parish to Mississippi where he was shot and killed. We believe DJ Hollins used a Glock handgun with a switch that made it capable of firing in full auto mode to kill Mr. Harris,” said Sheriff Brian Spillman. “We’re aware that Mississippi authorities are pursuing charges in this case, however, we believe the plan to commit this crime was hatched here and the initial phases leading up to Steven’s death began here in West Feliciana Parish. … We will continue to work with Mississippi authorities to present a case that will ensure justice is served for the death of Steven Harris.”
Spillman said this is still an ongoing investigation and encourages anyone with information in this case to contact the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office.
Southern University and extended its condolences to Harris’s loved ones in a social media post.
“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,” the post said.
“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.”