Jamarion “JoJo” Brown, a student basketball athlete of the Henderson State University, was shot in the head and was killed in a pool party in the County of East Camp, Texas. The shooting near Highway 11 East in Pittsburg also hurt two other people with their injuries not life-threatening—being shot in the leg and the hip. The student was hospitalized immediately in a facility in the vicinity and was then air-lifted to one in Tyler, where he died from the injuries. The disaster has caused shock in the community of Henderson State as well as the nation, with the recurring problem of gun violence in young lives coming to the forefront once more.
Jamarion Demonte “JoJo” Brown was the standout guard for the Henderson State Reddies in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. From Mount Pleasant, Texas, originally, Brown joined Henderson State from Southwestern Christian College for the 2024-25 season. On the court, he averaged 6.5 points per game and was renowned for recording a season-high six assists in the game against Oklahoma Baptist. According to his coach, Jimmy Elgas, he was tough, possessed a good work attitude, and was selfless as he started in the big games against Southern Arkansas. Off the court, his kind and open-hearted attitude caused his fellow players, as well as the entire staff and faculty, to admire him. He is also survived by the extended family of mourners, his ten siblings, and his fiancée.
The shooting occurred close to midnight on the 24th of May 2025 in a densely inhabited swimming party in the county of East Camp. Camp County Sheriff’s Office deputies, with the help of state troopers and the Titus County Sheriff’s Office deputies, were called to the scene from various calls of shots being fired. They found the shooting victim, who was named as Brown, with a head gunshot wound in critical condition. He was too injured to airlift immediately despite the attempts to stabilize him. He was transported to the local medical center before being flown to Tyler, where he was pronounced dead. The other two victims, whose names have not yet been given, also suffered from injuries that were classified as not life-threatening.
On 28th May 2025, 17-year-old Mount Pleasant resident Onterrian Jamour Newton was arrested and accused of killing Brown. Newton is being kept in Camp County Jail without bond, and additional charges against the remaining victims remain pending, announced by Sheriff John Cortelyou. The Texas Rangers are conducting the investigation, but the motive and the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. The uncertainty has contributed to the fear in the community, where the authorities have urged people to remain patient as the investigations are conducted.
The Henderson State University community is reeling from the loss of Brown, described by the athletic department as a student-athlete whose impact was profound despite his single season with the Reddies. Coach Jimmy Elgas shared,
“No words can express our sadness for Jamarion’s family, friends, and teammates. Jo’s impact was felt not only on the basketball court but throughout the fabric of Henderson State University, and we all grieve together”
The university is providing counseling services to students and planning a memorial service to honor Brown’s memory.
Henderson State University is organizing a memorial service to celebrate Jamarion Brown’s life and legacy. The university’s counseling center is offering support to students grappling with this loss. Brown’s warmth, dedication, and infectious positivity will be remembered by his teammates, coaches, and the broader community.
As tributes pour in, his legacy as a talented athlete and cherished individual will continue to inspire. The Mount Pleasant and Henderson State communities are coming together to honor a young man whose impact transcended the basketball court.
