Lamar County, Mississippi – A devastating incident occurred late on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in the quiet residential area of McKenzie Circle in Lamar County, Mississippi, resulting in the tragic death of a Hattiesburg man, Shawndarin Terrell Porter. The community is grappling with grief and outrage as the 29-year-old victim’s life was abruptly ended in a fatal shooting, leading to the swift arrest of a 19-year-old suspect, Jamario Deshaun Calloway.
On that fateful night, just after 10 p.m., the normally peaceful neighborhood was disturbed by the sound of multiple gunshots. Deputies from the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to the scene, where they discovered Porter lying lifeless on the ground, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the quick response of first responders, Porter was pronounced dead at the scene. Lamar County Coroner Blake Matherne confirmed the death, marking another tragic loss to gun violence in the area.
Eyewitnesses provided accounts of a chaotic scene, with some reporting an argument before the gunshots and others noting a vehicle speeding away immediately after the shooting. These initial reports have left investigators piecing together the sequence of events that led to this senseless act of violence.
Less than 24 hours after the shooting, Jamario Deshaun Calloway, a 19-year-old resident of Hattiesburg, voluntarily turned himself in to the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office. Calloway was swiftly charged with murder and is currently being held in the Lamar County Jail. The relationship between Calloway and Porter remains unclear, with conflicting accounts from those who knew them. Some suggest an ongoing dispute, while others believe the altercation was sudden and unanticipated.
As the legal process begins, the community of Hattiesburg is left mourning the loss of Shawndarin Terrell Porter, a man known for his kind-hearted nature and dedication to his community. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, expressing their hope that justice will be served.
Meanwhile, community leaders and residents are expressing their grief and outrage, with calls for stronger measures to combat the ongoing issue of gun violence in Mississippi. As both families involved navigate the legal and emotional challenges ahead, the community continues to rally together, seeking justice and hoping for a future free from such tragedies.