Arian Anderson was an 18-year-old freshman forward on the Dyersburg State Community College men’s basketball team. A Black student described as a shining star on and off the court, he was remembered for his dedication, talent, and close ties to teammates, family, and friends.

On the evening of Monday, November 25, 2024, Arian was fatally shot at the St. John Apartments in Dyersburg, Tennessee, near St. John Avenue and Clifton Drive. The Dyersburg Police Department arrested 19-year-old Markell Phillips of Memphis and charged him with first-degree murder; authorities said they were also searching for a second person believed to be involved. The college offered counseling services, and Arian’s family organized a fundraiser for funeral and burial expenses.

In December 2024 the first-degree murder charges against Markell Phillips were dropped and the case against him was dismissed. As of that month the homicide remains under investigation and unsolved.

If anyone knew Arian or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.