Demario Faulkner, 14, a student at Plantersville Middle School, was killed in a shooting at Nathaniel Place Apartments (the former Barley Courts) on the evening of October 16, 2025. Tupelo Police found a chaotic scene: one teen dead and another injured. The Lee County Coroner identified the deceased as Demario, and his body was sent to the state crime lab for autopsy.

Officers arrested two people within a day. Kevin Cook was charged with first-degree murder; a detective testified at a bond hearing that after Cook was slashed in a fight, he pursued Demario and shot him twice in the back. Trayvon Smith was arrested and charged as an accessory. Cook was denied bond and remained in custody while the case was being prepared for presentation to a grand jury.

Demario is remembered by school officials and the community for a gentle spirit, a kind heart, and an infectious, warm smile. If anyone witnessed the events at Nathaniel Place Apartments or has information about the dispute that led to this shooting, please come forward.