Arrests and Charges
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of Steven Harris IV, a Southern University student who was reported missing in mid-July. Derek Hollins Jr., 21, and Calajia Jack, 20, both of St. Francisville, along with Allyah Martin, 21, of Zachary, have been charged with first-degree murder in Wilkinson County, Mississippi. They also face conspiracy charges in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. Martin is the mother of Harris’ nearly 2-year-old son.
Incident and Investigation
Harris, 20, was reported missing on July 17, a day before he and Martin were scheduled to appear in court for a custody hearing. Concern grew when Harris failed to return home or appear for the hearing. On July 22, Harris’ body, riddled with bullets, was discovered in Wilkinson County. The county coroner’s office confirmed he had been shot multiple times.
West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman stated, “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.”
Motive and Legal Proceedings
Sheriff Spillman indicated that the murder plan originated in West Feliciana Parish. Hollins admitted ownership of the gun used in the killing. The suspects’ bonds have been set at $450,000 for Hollins, $365,000 for Jack, and $350,000 for Martin. Hollins was extradited to Mississippi on July 26 to face murder charges, while Jack and Martin remain in custody in West Feliciana Parish.
Harris’ mother, LaSonia Harris, believes the custody battle between her son and Martin led to his death.
Victim’s Background
Harris was a sophomore majoring in criminal justice at Southern University in Baton Rouge and a member of the university’s renowned marching band, the “Human Jukebox.” The band department expressed their grief in a Facebook post, describing Harris as a “dear student and talented musician” whose “infectious enthusiasm, kind spirit, and love for music made him a cherished member of our band family.”
