The shooting occurred at the Finish Line Drag Strip in the Lucas community around 11:15 p.m. on August 17, 2025. The victim was identified as Gavin Fortenberry, 17. The teenager had just graduated from Camp Shelby and was set to leave for the Air Force.

His parents said they know who pulled the trigger, claiming it stemmed from a longtime confrontation with former classmates who said they bullied, threatened and stalked him leading up to the shooting.

“He got away from here to get away from them. The whole reason why he didn’t want to leave Camp Shelby because he said he’d come back to the real stresses of the world and see the stresses of the world,” said Kashina Johnson-Fortenberry, his mother.

Jefferson Davis County investigators said they’ve collected evidence and multiple witness statements. They expect to make arrests soon.