In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 29, 2026, 24-year-old Jertavius Dewayne Hunt of Michigan City, Mississippi, was killed during a large altercation at an after-prom gathering in Blue Mountain, Tippah County. Gunfire erupted around 1 a.m. when Tippah County deputies responded; Jertavius and his older brother, 27-year-old Jerrious DeShon Hunt, were both found fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.

Jertavius was born June 15, 2001, in Memphis, Tennessee. A 2019 Ashland High School graduate, he enjoyed fishing and cooking and was remembered for his sense of humor. He is survived by his daughter, RhaNiya Renee Hunt; his parents, Jerry and Geanita Traylor; sisters; and other relatives. Funeral services were held at the Ashland High School Gymnasium and he was buried at Hardaway M.B. Church Cemetery.

Investigators identified and arrested 17-year-old Kylen Clark and charged him with two counts of first-degree murder; authorities say the shooting grew out of the party altercation and the case is expected to be handled in adult court. The Tippah County Sheriff’s Department says its investigation remains active and has not released further details about motive or other involvement.

If anyone was at the party or has information about what led to the shooting, please share what you know.