PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) — Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the July 12 shooting on Walnut Street that killed 19 year old Jamari Hickman and left three others injured.
Ja’Tavious Johnson, 20, of Carthage, and Jacob Triplett, 20, also of Carthage, each face a charge of first degree murder along with three counts of attempted murder, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Both men were taken into custody in Leake County with assistance from the Carthage Police Department and the Leake County Sheriff’s Office.
Police say the shooting happened at approximately 12:15 a.m. on July 12, when officers were called to the area of West Walnut Street after receiving multiple reports of shots fired and several people struck by gunfire. Investigators say the gunfire broke out during a large birthday gathering that had drawn attendees from several surrounding counties.
Philadelphia Police have identified the teenager killed in the shooting as Jamari Hickman, a recent graduate of Philadelphia High School. Hickman, known to friends and classmates as “Poon,” played football and basketball during his time at Philadelphia High and graduated with the Class of 2026.
Arriving officers found Hickman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and began rendering aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Three other victims were brought to a local hospital by private vehicle. A woman who was shot in the leg was later transferred to Jackson Hospital for additional treatment. Two other victims, a woman grazed in the arm and a man grazed in the leg, were treated and released the same night.
News of Hickman’s death has hit the Philadelphia school community hard. The Philadelphia Public School District shared a statement on Facebook acknowledging the loss and offering support to those grieving.
“Today, our Philadelphia Public School District family is grieving the loss of one of our students,” the district wrote, asking the community to hold Hickman’s family, friends, classmates and teachers in their thoughts.
The district closed its statement with a call for unity, saying, “We are one family, one community, and one heart.”
Police describe the investigation as active and ongoing and say additional arrests are expected.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 601 656 2131 or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1 855 485 8477. Tips to Crime Stoppers may be made anonymously.