Mel Groves, a 25-year-old Black transgender man and plant and soil scientist at Alcorn State University, was shot multiple times in Jackson, Mississippi in the early morning hours of October 11, 2021. Despite severe injuries, he drove himself to a local hospital, collapsed as he exited his vehicle, and died on the operating table after emergency surgery.

Active with The Knights & Orchids Society, which supports gender justice and LGBTQ visibility, Groves was remembered by friends and fellow activists as a vibrant and beloved community member who had expressed fears for his safety as a transgender man living in Jackson. Early reports from some media outlets and law enforcement misgendered him, and advocates worked to correct those accounts.

The Jackson Police Department opened a homicide investigation but has not identified a motive or the exact location of the shooting. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced. If anyone knew Mel or has information about what happened that night, please share what you know.