JACKSON, Miss. — In a somber development following the tragic events on March 22, 2025, two men, Michael McLeod, 22, and Marquavius McLeod, have had their bond denied during their initial appearance in court, as they face multiple charges stemming from a shooting in downtown Jackson. The shooting, which took place just hours after the conclusion of the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade, left one man, Cortez George, dead and seven others injured. On Friday, Hinds County Circuit Judge Stanley Alexander made the decision to deny bond for the McLeod brothers after they were charged with one count of capital murder and six counts of aggravated assault. The incident, described as “chaotic” by authorities, has rocked the city of Jackson, where the streets were filled with revelers earlier in the day to celebrate the parade before the violence erupted in its aftermath.

The shooting occurred at the intersection of Pearl and Lamar Streets, a busy area that had been filled with crowds just hours before. It is still unclear what prompted the violence, but authorities and residents are struggling to come to terms with the devastating impact it has had on the community.

Background: The St. Paddy’s Parade and the Day’s Events

The Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade in Jackson, Mississippi, is a long-standing tradition, drawing thousands of people into the heart of the city every year. The parade is a lively affair, filled with festive floats, music, and local businesses coming together to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. This year’s parade, held on March 22, had a spirited atmosphere as locals donned green attire, enjoyed food and drinks, and enjoyed the festivities with friends and family.

However, just hours after the celebration ended, chaos would take hold of the downtown area. The parade route had already emptied out by 7:00 p.m., but the revelry continued in some pockets of the city. At around that time, Michael McLeod and Marquavius McLeod were allegedly involved in a shooting incident that led to the tragic death of 29-year-old Cortez George and left seven others wounded.

The Shooting Incident: Details of the Crime

According to initial reports, the shooting occurred at the intersection of Pearl and Lamar Streets, a bustling part of downtown Jackson. Witnesses have described a chaotic scene where gunshots rang out, sending people scrambling for safety. By the time authorities arrived, eight people had been shot, and Cortez George had already succumbed to his injuries. The victims, whose names have not all been publicly released, ranged in age and gender, but most sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. However, George’s death has marked this as a particularly tragic event for Jackson.

The shooting unfolded just hours after the St. Paddy’s Parade festivities had come to a close, but it wasn’t immediately clear what led to the altercation. Authorities suspect that some kind of confrontation or dispute may have sparked the violence, but the details remain murky. According to law enforcement, both Michael and Marquavius McLeod were allegedly involved in the shooting. Michael McLeod was initially believed to have been on duty as an officer for the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Police Department, but later statements from the hospital confirmed that he was not working at the time and was not carrying his UMMC-issued firearm.

The nature of the shooting, particularly the fact that so many people were injured and that one person lost their life, has left the Jackson community reeling. Local authorities have emphasized the violent nature of the crime, particularly since a handgun was reportedly used in the shooting. They have also cited Marquavius’ extensive criminal history, which includes more than a dozen felony arrests, as a factor in their decision to deny bond.

Michael and Marquavius McLeod: Profiles and Legal Representation

Michael McLeod and Marquavius McLeod are both facing serious charges in connection with the shooting. Michael McLeod, a 22-year-old former police officer with the UMMC Police Department, was arrested by Capitol Police on Thursday. Prior to his work with UMMC, Michael had been employed in another capacity within the department for six months. He had cleared all background checks and had no prior disciplinary issues during his time working as a law enforcement officer.

Michael’s defense attorney, Charles King, has argued that his client acted in self-defense during the altercation, although details of the incident have not been made public. King requested a bond hearing in two weeks before Hinds County Court and expressed his intent to fight the charges. King’s statement emphasized that Michael’s previous employment record was clean and that he had no history of performance issues during his time as an officer.

Marquavius McLeod, on the other hand, is unemployed and has a much more extensive criminal record. Prosecutors pointed out that Marquavius has been arrested for more than a dozen felonies over the past few years, a fact that only adds to the gravity of the charges he faces. King also noted that Marquavius has three children, which has been highlighted as a mitigating factor in his defense, though it does not diminish the severity of the crimes for which he stands accused.

Public Defender’s Argument and Court Hearing

During the court proceedings on Friday, Charles King requested a reasonable bond for both defendants, citing Michael’s role as a police officer and his otherwise clean record. King also indicated that he would not represent Marquavius after Friday’s hearing because he had already been appointed to represent Michael. The request for bond was met with opposition from the prosecution, which recommended no bond for both men due to the violent nature of the crime and Marquavius’ criminal history.

Judge Stanley Alexander ultimately decided to deny bond for both suspects, citing the severity of the charges and the threat posed by the alleged actions of both men. Alexander’s decision is seen as a reflection of the seriousness with which the court is treating the case, given the widespread panic and the loss of life involved.

The Impact on the Jackson Community

The shooting has deeply shaken the city of Jackson, where the St. Paddy’s Parade is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Local businesses, residents, and city leaders have expressed their shock and sadness at the violence that unfolded on what was supposed to be a day of celebration. Many have also voiced concern about the broader implications of the shooting, particularly regarding the safety of large public events in downtown Jackson.

The shooting has sparked renewed discussions about gun violence in Mississippi and the challenges of maintaining public safety in busy urban areas. While some have called for stronger law enforcement measures, others have emphasized the need for community-based solutions to address the underlying causes of violence in the city.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued a statement following the incident, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and calling for justice. “This violence is unacceptable, and we must come together as a community to ensure that our streets are safe for everyone,” Lumumba said. “Our hearts go out to those who were affected by this senseless act.”

The shooting has also prompted a reevaluation of safety protocols for public events in Jackson. In the aftermath of the tragedy, city officials have pledged to review security measures for large public gatherings and implement more stringent protocols to ensure the safety of attendees.

UMMC’s Response and Implications for Michael McLeod’s Employment

Michael McLeod’s employment with the University of Mississippi Medical Center Police Department has been a focal point of the case. UMMC officials have confirmed that McLeod was not on duty during the time of the shooting and that he did not use his UMMC-issued firearm. The hospital expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.

Despite McLeod’s background and prior performance at UMMC, the hospital announced his termination following his arrest. The statement from UMMC clarified that McLeod had been employed for about a year with the department, but after the shooting incident, his employment was severed. UMMC has also emphasized that it remains focused on supporting the investigation and ensuring that justice is served.

The circumstances surrounding McLeod’s involvement in the shooting are raising questions about the responsibilities and actions of law enforcement officers, particularly those who may find themselves involved in criminal activity outside the scope of their professional duties. As investigations continue, there may be a broader conversation about the accountability of officers and the potential consequences of their actions, both in and out of uniform.

The Legal Process Ahead

As the case progresses, the legal process for both Michael and Marquavius McLeod will continue to unfold. The charges against them are serious, and the case will likely move through the courts over the coming months. The McLeods’ defense teams will likely continue to argue that Michael acted in self-defense, while prosecutors will focus on the violent nature of the crime and the extensive criminal history of Marquavius.

For the families of the victims, the legal process is an opportunity to seek justice for the loss of their loved ones. They will be closely monitoring the case and hoping that the legal system will bring accountability for the violence that shattered their community.

The case is likely to draw significant public attention as it progresses, with many watching to see how the court handles the charges and whether further revelations about the incident emerge. The outcome of the case will have lasting implications for both the Jackson community and the broader conversation about gun violence, law enforcement accountability, and public safety in Mississippi.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning and a Call for Justice

The tragic shooting in downtown Jackson following the St. Paddy’s Parade has left the community grappling with the loss of life and the violent nature of the crime. With the McLeod brothers now facing serious charges and bond being denied, the legal process will continue to unfold, but for now, Jackson is a city in mourning. The shooting has sparked renewed calls for justice, safety, and community unity, and as the investigation continues, the residents of Jackson will continue to seek answers and accountability for the tragic events that have forever altered their community.