Donald Ray Leverette Jr., 40, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 2100 block of 18th Avenue in Meridian, Mississippi, on the evening of Sunday, January 22, 2023. The Meridian Police Department classified his death as the city’s first homicide of 2023. A native of Lisman, Alabama, Leverette was a father and had recently worked at an IHOP in Meridian.

Police opened an active homicide investigation and appealed to the public for information, directing tips to the Meridian Police Department or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers. In the days after the shooting officials had not identified any suspects, and no motive or arrests were reported.

If anyone knew Donald, saw activity around 18th Avenue that night, or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Meridian Police Department or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers.