Jaqwavion Carlisle, 21, Killed in Shooting Outside Meridian’s Council of Organizations on 45th Avenue; Suspect in Gray Hoodie Flees on Foot.

Early Morning Violence Strikes Meridian

MERIDIAN, Miss. – A 21-year-old man is dead following an early morning shooting outside a community organization building, marking Meridian’s second homicide of the year. The victim has been identified as Jaqwavion Carlisle of Meridian, according to the Meridian Police Department (MPD).

The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026 , in the parking lot of the Council of Organizations, Inc. , located at 814 45th Avenue in Meridian. Police initially responded to reports of a disturbance at the location. But as officers arrived on the scene, the situation escalated dramatically—a gunshot was fired during a reported scuffle in the parking lot.

One individual, later identified as Carlisle , was struck and suffered critical injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital by emergency medical services, but despite medical efforts, he later died from his wounds. The shooting has left the Meridian community in shock and launched a manhunt for a suspect described only as a Black male wearing a gray hoodie who fled on foot.

Details of the Incident

The Council of Organizations, Inc. is a well-known community-focused organization in Meridian, often hosting events, meetings, and gatherings aimed at supporting local residents. The building at 814 45th Avenue is situated in a mixed residential and commercial area of the city. Early Sunday morning, a disturbance broke out in the organization’s parking lot, drawing the attention of nearby residents and ultimately leading to a 911 call.

Meridian Police Department officers responded promptly to the reported disturbance. However, according to preliminary statements from law enforcement, as officers were arriving on the scene—or perhaps just before they arrived—a physical scuffle broke out among individuals in the parking lot. During that struggle, a single gunshot was fired.

Jaqwavion Carlisle was struck by the gunfire. The bullet caused critical injuries, and Carlisle collapsed in the parking lot. Witnesses at the scene attempted to render aid, and paramedics arrived shortly after police. Carlisle was transported to a local hospital—likely Rush Foundation Hospital or a nearby trauma center—but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police have not disclosed whether the scuffle involved Carlisle directly or whether he was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. Investigators are working to determine exactly what led to the disturbance and who was involved.

Victim Identified: Jaqwavion Carlisle, 21

The Meridian Police Department, in coordination with the Lauderdale County Coroner’s Office, officially identified the deceased as Jaqwavion Carlisle , a 21-year-old resident of Meridian. As of this writing, authorities have not released additional personal details—such as his occupation, family background, or any prior connections to law enforcement—out of respect for the family’s privacy during the initial grieving period.

However, friends and acquaintances have begun sharing memories on social media. Carlisle was described by several people as a young man with a bright smile, a good sense of humor, and close ties to his family and community. One Facebook post read: “Jaqwavion didn’t deserve this. He was just 21. Praying for his mama.” Another wrote: “Rest easy, bro. This ain’t right.”

The fact that Carlisle was only 21 years old—barely out of his teenage years—has added to the tragedy. He had his entire life ahead of him, and his death marks yet another young life lost to gun violence in Mississippi.

Suspect Description: Gray Hoodie, Fleeing on Foot

Perhaps the most critical piece of information released by police so far is the description of the suspect. According to investigators, the shooter was described as a Black male wearing a gray hoodie . Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on foot, running north along 44th Avenue .

Police have not released any additional details about the suspect—such as height, weight, approximate age, or any distinguishing features like tattoos or scars. It is also unclear whether the suspect acted alone or whether others were involved in the disturbance. No weapons have been recovered, and no arrests have been announced as of the latest update.

The fact that the suspect fled on foot rather than in a vehicle suggests that he may live in the immediate vicinity or had a nearby destination in mind. Meridian police are likely canvassing the neighborhoods north of 44th Avenue, looking for surveillance footage, witnesses, or anyone who may have seen a person matching the description.

Investigation Active and Ongoing

The Meridian Police Department has classified the shooting of Jaqwavion Carlisle as an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue leads. The crime scene at 814 45th Avenue has been processed for forensic evidence, including shell casings, fingerprints, DNA, and any possible surveillance footage from the Council of Organizations building or nearby homes and businesses.

Police have not yet released a motive for the shooting. It remains unclear whether the shooting was targeted or random, whether Carlisle knew the suspect, or whether the scuffle that preceded the gunfire involved a personal dispute, an attempted robbery, or some other altercation.

The Meridian Police Department is also working to determine exactly how many people were present in the parking lot at the time of the shooting. Witnesses are being interviewed, though investigators have not indicated whether those witnesses have been cooperative.

Second Homicide of the Year in Meridian

The death of Jaqwavion Carlisle marks Meridian’s second homicide of 2026. While the city of approximately 35,000 residents is not among Mississippi’s most dangerous, any homicide rattles a community of this size. Meridian has seen fluctuating violent crime rates over the years, with police working diligently to address gun violence through community policing, youth outreach, and targeted enforcement.

City leaders have not yet issued a formal statement regarding Carlisle’s death, but local activists and community organizers have begun calling for peace. A local pastor, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Another young Black man is dead. When will it end? We need more than thoughts and prayers. We need action.”

The Council of Organizations, Inc., where the shooting occurred, may also release a statement in the coming days. The organization typically focuses on community development, youth programs, and social services, making the violent incident on its property particularly painful.

Community Response: Grief and Fear

The Meridian community is reeling from the loss of another young life. In the hours following the shooting, a small group of friends and family members gathered near 814 45th Avenue, though police had cordoned off the parking lot with crime scene tape. Some held candles, others held each other.

One woman, who identified herself as a cousin of Carlisle, spoke briefly with a local news crew. “He was just a baby,” she said through tears. “Twenty-one years old. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He didn’t deserve to die in a parking lot.”

Others expressed fear about safety in the area. A resident who lives near 44th Avenue, where the suspect fled, said: “I heard the gunshot last night. It woke me up. Now I’m scared to let my kids play outside. Until they catch whoever did this, we’re all on edge.”

How the Public Can Help

The Meridian Police Department is urgently asking anyone with information about the shooting of Jaqwavion Carlisle to come forward. Given that the incident occurred early Sunday morning, there may have been witnesses who have not yet spoken to police—either because they were afraid, didn’t realize what they saw was important, or were not at the scene when officers first arrived.

Tips can be submitted through the following channels:

· Meridian Police Department: (601) 485-1893 (non-emergency) or 911 for urgent tips
· East Mississippi Crime Stoppers (anonymous): (601) 485-1860
· Online: Tips can be submitted via the MPD website or the Crime Stoppers mobile app

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest, and tipsters may remain completely anonymous. Police have emphasized that no piece of information is too small—even a vague description of a vehicle, a name overheard, or a social media post could break the case open.

Investigative Challenges and Next Steps

Several factors make this investigation particularly challenging for Meridian police:

1. The suspect fled on foot – Without a vehicle description, investigators cannot issue a BOLO (be on the lookout) for a specific car or license plate.
2. The shooting occurred early morning – Lighting may have been poor, and witnesses may have had limited visibility.
3. Disturbance context unknown – Without knowing what the scuffle was about, it’s harder to identify suspects or motives.
4. Potential witness reluctance – In some cases, witnesses to shootings are unwilling to speak for fear of retaliation.

In the coming days, the Meridian Police Department is expected to:

· Release additional surveillance images if available
· Conduct follow-up interviews with witnesses
· Work with the Lauderdale County Coroner’s Office on autopsy results
· Provide an update on whether any persons of interest have been identified

Gun Violence in Mississippi: A Broader Context

Mississippi consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of gun violence per capita, according to CDC data. Young men between the ages of 18 and 25 are disproportionately both victims and perpetrators. The death of Jaqwavion Carlisle fits a tragic pattern seen across the state—late-night disturbances, arguments escalating to gunfire, and young lives lost.

Community leaders have long called for increased investment in youth programs, conflict resolution training, and mental health services. However, funding for such initiatives remains limited. In the meantime, police continue to respond to scenes like the one at 814 45th Avenue, where another family must now plan a funeral instead of a graduation or a wedding.

A Mother’s Grief

While Jaqwavion Carlisle’s mother has not yet spoken publicly, those close to the family describe her as devastated. Losing a child at any age is unimaginable, but losing a 21-year-old son to a bullet in a parking lot is a particular kind of horror. Friends have set up an informal support network around the family, bringing food and offering to help with funeral arrangements.

In many communities, a young man’s death becomes a rallying cry for change. It remains to be seen whether Carlisle’s tragic end will spur new community initiatives or whether it will become another statistic in Meridian’s growing list of unsolved homicides.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you live in or near Meridian, especially in the area around 45th and 44th Avenues, police ask that you:

· Check any home surveillance footage from early Sunday morning (between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.)
· Recall if you heard or saw anything unusual—loud voices, running footsteps, a person in a gray hoodie
· Share this news article and the suspect description on social media to increase visibility

Conclusion: Justice for Jaqwavion

The death of Jaqwavion Carlisle , 21, outside the Council of Organizations, Inc. on 45th Avenue is a tragedy that has shaken Meridian to its core. On a Sunday morning, a young man lost his life during a scuffle in a parking lot. The suspect—a Black male in a gray hoodie—fled on foot north along 44th Avenue and remains at large.

Police have not announced any arrests. No motive has been released. But the investigation is active, and authorities are pleading for the public’s help.

Jaqwavion Carlisle was someone’s son, someone’s friend, someone’s hope for the future. His life mattered. And his family deserves answers.

If you know something—no matter how small—please contact the Meridian Police Department or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers. Justice for Jaqwavion may depend on it.