Body found of SU student reported missing in July; 3 arrested, including mother of deceased’s child

ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (AP) — Three suspects are in jail for allegedly luring a Southern University student to his death.

Derek Hollins Jr., 21, and Calajia Jack, 20, both of St. Francisville; and Allyah Martin, 21, of Zachary, each face charges of first-degree murder in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, in the death of 20-year-old Steven Harris IV, of St. Francisville.

Martin is the mother of Harris’ nearly 2-year-old son.

The trio also was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in Louisiana, in West Feliciana Parish and Hollins faces one count of possession of a machine gun, authorities said.

Harris was reported missing July 17. The next day, he and Martin were due in court for a custody matter. Harris’ family began to worry when he did return home to appear for the hearing.

Five days later, Harris’ bullet-riddled body was found in Wilkinson County, which borders West Feliciana Parish. The county coroner’s office confirmed to news outlets that he had been shot multiple times.

“Through our investigation, we developed strong evidence that DJ Hollins, Calajia Jack and Allyah Martin conspired to lure Steven Harris from West Feliciana Parish to Mississippi where he was shot and killed,” West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman said. “We believe DJ Hollins used a Glock handgun with a switch that made it capable of firing in full auto mode to kill Mr. Harris.“

Hollins admitted the gun used in Harris’ killing was his, the sheriff said.

Spillman said investigators believe the plan to kill Harris “was hatched here; and the initial phases leading up to Steven’s death began here in West Feliciana Parish.”

“We will continue to work with Mississippi authorities to present a case that will ensure justice is served for the death of Steven Harris,” he said.

Bond was set at $450,000 for Hollins; $365,000 for Jack and $350,000 for Martin. Jail records do not show whether any of them is represented by an attorney who could speak on their behalf.

On July 26, Hollins was extradited to Woodville, Mississippi, to face first-degree murder charges in the case there. The other two suspects remain in custody in West Feliciana Parish, jail records show.

Harris’ mother, LaSonia Harris, told WAFB-TV that she believes the custody battle between her son and Martin is what led to his death.

“His demise was set up,” she said.

LaSonia Harris said she is feeling several emotions about what happened.

“I’m distraught from losing my son. The circumstances for which I lost my son. I’m confused about why did it have to come to this. I’m hurt because I felt like this was an intentional attempt to hurt me and my family and I’m angry because it was unnecessary,” she said.

Harris was a sophomore majoring in criminal justice at Southern University in Baton Rouge and a member of the marching band known as the “Human Jukebox.”

In a post on Facebook, the university’s Band Department said it was “heartbroken” over Harris death, describing him as a “dear student and talented musician.”

“Steven’s infectious enthusiasm, kind spirit, and love for music made him a cherished member of our band family. His presence brought joy and inspiration to all of us. Please know that we are mourning with you and are here to support each other during this incredibly difficult time. Steven was not just a bandmate; he was part of our family, and his memory will always hold a special place in our hearts,” the post reads.