Arkansas State Football Star Markel Owens Shot Dead

(Facebook)

Markel Owens, 21, was shot dead last night in Jackson, Tennessee, according to local media reports. Owens was a football player with Arkansas State Red Wolves. The shooting occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on January 15.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. His College Have Not Stated That He Was Shot

Owens’ death was confirmed by the college in a tweet. The school did not state the cause of death.

2. According to his Twitter He Had Been Visiting Home

He was killed in his hometown of Jackson, Tennessee.

3. He Was a Red Shirt at Arkansas

On the school’s official website he is listed as a redshirt defensive lineman.

4. He Was His High School District MVP in 2009

Owens was a high-school football star at Liberty Technology Magnet High School where he graduated in 2010. According to his official bio:

Three-time all-district selection, including first team honors in 2008 and 2009 . . . Named District MVP in 2009 and also all-state selection . . . Senior campaign finished with 68 tackles and six sacks . . . As a junior, posted 63 tackles and 22 tackles for loss . . . Sophomore season recorded 49 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

On January 10, Owens tweeted about his experiences being at home and attending one of his former high school’s games:

5. Two Other People Were Wounded in the Shooting

Owens was killed along with another man in the shooting. A woman who was with the pair was wounded but not seriously hurt. The circumstances surrounding the attack are unknown. According to WBBJTV, police are looking for a white Honda Civic in relation to the attack. The shooting happened on the 700 block of Walker Road in the town (above).