HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – Family and friends of a Southern Miss football player, who was shot and killed in Hattiesburg, are looking for answers.

Adrian Jackson, the mother of 21-year-old Marcus “MJ” Daniels, Jr., of Lucedale, said she cannot think of anyone who would have wanted to hurt her son. She said Daniels was well beloved and known for being friendly and generous.

“He’s not coming back. It’s the hardest part. My son’s not coming back. Big brother’s not coming back,” she said.

Jackson had just spoken to her son hours before his death. She said Daniels was in high spirits and didn’t indicate any signs of trouble.

“MJ was a lovable person. Whatever the reason they took his life, MJ would have just given whatever they wanted, you know, and walked away. He might have been mad, but, you know, it was no reason for them to do what they did, no reason at all,” Jackson said.

Daniels’ former George County High School coach, Tyler Denmark, said the football player was well liked.

“This is the hardest day I think I’ve ever had with a former student or player, athlete, and it’s because I got to know him as a person. He’s so much more than just an athlete. He’d give the shirt off his back to any classmate or teammate who needed it. I’ve never met anyone that had a problem with him,” he said.

Daniels was found shot to death inside a vehicle at Ivy Row Apartments on Tuesday, June 11, according to Hattiesburg police. No arrests have been made in the case.

“Do the right thing and turn yourself in because you broke a family,” said Jackson.

McDaniels, who was a senior, was a cornerback on the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) football team. He was on the Ole Miss football team in 2021 and 2022.

The USM Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and individuals close to the university.

Anyone with information about the fatal shooting can contact Hattiesburg police at 601-545-4971.