Keontae Dewayne Colbert, 17, a senior at Gautier High School, was found dead of a gunshot wound on Wildwood Road in Escatawpa, Mississippi, on the night of February 3, 2025. Deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office discovered his body. Described as having a big heart, he is survived by three older siblings, a girlfriend, and a niece; he had hoped to attend college and become a machinist at Ingalls Shipbuilding.

The investigation led to the arrest of two teenagers. Michael Todd Ward Jr., 17, of Moss Point, was charged with murder and booked into the Jackson County jail as an adult. An 18-year-old from Gautier, Kenta Derell McCann, was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to murder and also booked as an adult. Law enforcement has not released an official motive. Keontae’s mother, Martina Pratt, believes he was set up after leaving home with a gun he recently bought to trade or sell to one of the individuals now accused in his death.

A viewing for Keontae was scheduled for February 14, 2025, and the Pascagoula-Gautier School District issued a statement offering support to students and staff. Does anyone who knew Keontae or was in Escatawpa that night have information that could help clarify what happened?