Latreasure Brashay Willis was 17 when she was killed by gun violence on the evening of February 29, 2024, in the 2900 block of 25th Street in Meridian, Mississippi. Born in Hattiesburg and most recently living in Lumberton, she was remembered by friends and family as funny and happy, with a talent for doing others’ hair; a viewing and service were held at Gateway Baptist Church in Lumberton in late March 2024.

Nearly a year after the shooting, on January 16, 2025, Meridian police, assisted by the U.S. Marshals, the East Mississippi Drug Task Force and the MPD Gang Unit, arrested 20-year-old Labrian Willis and charged him with first-degree murder in Latreasure’s death. He was also charged with aggravated assault and shooting into a vehicle related to the same incident. At the time of that arrest he faced additional charges tied to November 2024 shootings, including shooting into a dwelling and another aggravated assault count, and was being held without bond.

If anyone knew Latreasure, saw activity on 25th Street that evening, or has information relevant to these incidents, please come forward.