A Hinds County judge is holding a JSU freshman accused in the shooting death of a fellow Jackson State University student without bond.
During a hearing on Monday, Judge Johnny McDaniels denied bond for Randall Smith because of the serious nature of the murder charge against him. Smith, a JSU freshman from New Orleans, just turned 20 on November 30, according to WAPT.
Last week, The Shade Room reported that authorities located a body inside the trunk of a vehicle parked on a lot at the JSU campus.
Body Found On JSU Campus Last Week Identified As 22-Year-Old Student, Freshman Charged In Shooting Death
That body was eventually identified as that of 22-year-old Flynn Brown, which was found on Friday.
Brown’s body was found inside a Dodge Charger around 8:30 a.m. that morning in a parking lot between Dixon Hall and Campbell College Suites, according to the Hinds County coroner.
It is with a heavy heart that I am sad to say the Mt Olive community and football family have lost one of their own. Flynn Brown, was killed yesterday morning while attending Jackson St. More info to come when I have. Thoughts and prayers to the Brown family. pic.twitter.com/xVisRbahf3
— Brian OConnor (@OConnorMOFB) December 3, 2022
“The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and Jackson State University Police are working together to investigate the recent homicide on JSU campus. At this time, there is no further threat to those on campus,” MBI officials said in a Friday statement.
Meanwhile, JSU President Thomas K. Hudson had recently confirmed in a statement that the victim was a student at the university, calling it a “devastating circumstance for our campus community.”
“The loss of a young person is always a devastating circumstance for our campus community. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” Hudson said. “As president, I assure you that the safety of our students and campus community is our highest priority. While we do not have all of the details at this time, a person of interest is in custody.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a member of the @mtolivefootball family, 2019 grad Flynn Brown, the victim of a shooting on the campus @JacksonStateU Please send love & prayers to the Mount Olive community & especially Flynn’s family. 🙏
📸 Flynn TD vs Jefferson 2018 pic.twitter.com/JM4ik80pFT— Bob Karp (@BobKarpDR) December 3, 2022
Law Enforcement Remains Tight-Lipped On Investigation Details, “No Further Threat To Those On Campus”
A spokesperson for the agency, Baily Martin, said in a statement: “at this time, there is no further threat to those on campus.”
“MBI is currently assessing this critical incident and gathering evidence. Upon completing their investigation, agents will share their findings with the local District Attorney’s Office,” Martin said.
Online records show Smith was booked in a Hinds County detention center on a murder charge. It is unclear if he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and campus police are handling the homicide investigation.
Grief counselors were available at the school on Friday, the JSU President said according to ABC News.
JSU family, it is with a heavy heart that I confirm the death of a JSU student. The loss of a young person is always a devastating circumstance for our campus community. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/jPktddkMql
— Thomas Hudson, J.D. (@thomaskhudson) December 2, 2022
Grief Counselors Available For JSU Students, Who Remained Uneasy After Discovery Of Brown’s Body
Despite Martin’s declaration that there was no further threat on campus, students were still uneasy in the hours following the discovery of Brown’s body.
“I’m just a little concerned, because we don’t really know what’s going on right now,” student Nathan Smith told WAPT.
A former coach of Brown, who played football at Mt. Olive High School in Flanders, New Jersey, offered his condolences on Twitter Saturday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am sad to say the Mt. Olive community and football family have lost one of their own,” said Brian O’Connor, head football coach at Mt. Olive High School.
