Peyton Ray O’Bryant was 13 and a student at Pearl River Central Middle School when he was shot in Carriere, Mississippi. Known for fishing, camping and participation in JROTC with plans to enlist after school, he suffered a gunshot wound to the head the evening of March 30, 2020 and was transported to a local hospital. He was pronounced brain dead the next day, and his family chose to donate his organs.

Pearl River County investigators developed probable cause against another 13-year-old from Carriere, David Williams IV. Williams was arrested on a warrant for second-degree murder and, under a Mississippi statute applying to felonies committed with a deadly weapon by those aged 13 or older, was charged as an adult; his case was sent to the 15th Circuit Court and bond was set at $150,000 at an initial hearing.

Peyton is remembered by family and friends as loving and caring. If anyone knew Peyton or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.