JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Two men have been arrested in connection to the mass shooting in downtown Jackson that occurred hours after the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade.

Bailey Martin, press secretary for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), said Michael McLeod, 22, who was a law enforcement officer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), and Marquavius McLeod, 21, were both arrested in connection to the case.

The two men have both been charged with one count of murder and seven counts of aggravated assault. Martin said additional arrests are expected in the case. 

The shooting occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 after police said two groups got into a fight. One person was killed and seven others were injured.

The deceased victim was identified as Cortez George, 21, of Jackson, by the interim Hinds County coroner. George was shot multiple times.

UMMC officials said McLeod, who served as a police officer with UMMC Police and Public Safety Department for about a year, was fired on March 27.

McLeod was arrested by Capitol Police Thursday as a part of the investigation of a March 22 shooting in downtown Jackson. He was not on duty at the time of the shooting and his UMMC-issued firearm was not used.

Before becoming an officer with UMMC Police, McLeod held another position with the department for about six months. Prior to UMMC employment, he cleared all regular background checks and has had no disciplinary actions against him or performance issues.

Our condolences go out to the victims and their families.

We continue to cooperate with Capitol Police in its investigation.

Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
Office of Communications and Marketing
University of Mississippi Medical Center

Anyone with additional information about the shooting can contact Capitol police at 601-359-3125.