Chaz Zayvion Ross was 14 when he was shot on Pearl Street in McComb, Mississippi, on December 29, 2020, and died a few days later on January 2, 2021, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Born August 30, 2006, he was a student at McComb High School and the son of Michael McDowell and Chaunci Ross.

Reports say the shooting began as a playful interaction in the back of a pickup truck and became fatal when a 9mm Taurus handgun discharged, the bullet striking Chaz between the eyes. A 19-year-old, Schedrick Ray, was identified as the person who fired the shot. Ray was arrested after the incident and authorities upgraded the case to second-degree murder following Chaz’s death.

The community held a vigil and Chaz’s funeral services took place January 16, 2021, at Craft Funeral Home in McComb. If anyone knew Chaz or witnessed what happened on Pearl Street, please share information that could help clarify the events.