Teen arrested for murdering 15-year-old

Teen arrested for murdering 15-year-old

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RIDGELAND — Olde Town Middle School students are mourning the death of classmate Marus Hemmingway, 15, who was shot dead at an apartment complex here Friday morning.

Ridgeland police arrested Trenton Leahey-Lofton, 16, of Ridgeland, later that evening, and he faces murder charges as an adult.

“Through the work of investigators and officers on scene, Ridgeland PD was able to obtain information from citizens in the area who provided leads to a possible suspect,” Ridgeland Police Chief John R. Neal said Saturday morning. 

Family members and friends have posted tributes on social media to the slain teenager who played football at Olde Town Middle School. According to one social media post from the family, a benefit bank account has been established for the family.

“Our family sincerely appreciates your thoughtfulness and compassion toward us during this difficult time. Many of you have asked how to support us. A benefit account has been set up for Marcus Hemmingway Jr. under his mother’s name Aklia Overton at any BanCorpSouth. You may also send contributions to her CashApp $nikkioverton. More information about the services are forthcoming. You may contact myself or Cassandra Welchlin and Melissa Overton for additional information. We thank you again for your prayers and your acts of kindness

“Sincerely 

“The Johnson, Hemmingway, Overton, Welchlin, and Dortch Family”

Police said they learned of the shooting when police received numerous calls from area residents reporting multiple gunshots at approximately 11:45 a.m. Friday.

“Officers responded, and while searching the area of 125 Pine Knoll Drive, located a victim who had been shot,” Neal said. “They administered first aid, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Neal said Hemmingway sustained at least two gunshot wounds, one to the torso and one to the legs. Police did not locate any eyewitnesses to the shooting.

“There were reports and descriptions of a subject running from the area where the victim was located,” Neal said at the time. “The victim had no identification on him, but while investigators and officers were still on the scene, a family approached an officer inquiring about the victim.”

Hemmingway of 110 Pine Knoll Drive was identified as the family’s son.

“Marcus is a student at Olde Towne Middle School,” Neal said.

Madison County Schools issued a statement Saturday morning on the incident.

“The Madison County Schools family grieves the loss of Marcus Hemmingway, a student at Old Town Middle School,” the Madison Schools statement said. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. District and school counseling staff will be available for students and faculty during this difficult time.”

Leahey-Lofton made his initial appearance Monday before a Ridgeland Municipal Court Judge, where he was advised of the charge he faced and that he is being charged as an adult. Leahey-Lofton is being held without bond, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21.






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