WEST FELICIANA – The mother of Steven Harris IV, the Southern University student killed in Wilkinson County, is speaking out about the tragic murder of her son.
Officials said Harris was allegedly lured away from his home in West Feliciana on July 17th, under suspicious circumstances, in an unfamiliar car. His body was discovered on Tuesday, July 23rd, having been shot multiple times.
Lasonia Harris, Steven’s mother, described her son as a wonderful child and an amazing father.
“He was a vibrant 20-year-old young man who had his whole life ahead of him. He loved being in college, loved serving with the Human Jukebox. He had a huge circle of friends who supported him in his journey to gain custody of his son,” Harris said, lovingly.
Authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with his murder: Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, and Calajia Jack, 20, both from St. Francisville, along with Allyah Martin, 21, from Zachary but currently living in Dallas. The trio faces charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
Allyah Martin and Steven Harris IV were co-parents and were scheduled to appear in court on July 18 for a custody hearing. Martin was in the St. Francisville area, at the time of the murder, for the court hearing.
“They were friends since middle school in West Feliciana. They dated off and on until right after she became pregnant with the child,” Harris said.
MORE FROM UWK: Three arrested after Southern University student Steven Harris found dead
The grieving mother tells us while the relationship was always toxic, she never thought it would lead to murder. So when her son failed to return home for the hearing, his family grew worried. Lasonia Harris expressed her belief that Harris was set up due to the custody battle, noting that he loved his son, 21 months, deeply and would never have missed the court date.
“He was just looking forward to the next stage of life, taking care of his son and continuing on with his education. That’s who my son was. That’s his complete life. His focus was on music and his son,” she continued.
Steven was a sophomore criminal justice major and a member of the “Human Jukebox,” Southern University’s renowned band. His mother highlighted his passion for music and his joy over being part of the band. “He loved being a part of that band.” she shared.
In response to his death, the Southern University band released a heartfelt statement: “The Southern University Band Department is heartbroken over the loss of Steven Harris, 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.”
Mrs. Harris says she has a message to the trio accused of killing her son. “I want Allyah and her conspirators to know that the fight for justice for Steven is just beginning. I, along with my husband, will be at every court date, every court proceeding, every court motion for both Louisiana and Mississippi, to ensure that none of them sees the light of day again,” she said passionately.
She tells UWK if she could say anything directly to Allyah, it would be to ask one question. “Why? Why did it have to come to this? Why would you take away your son’s father? He was willing to work it out,” the heartbroken mother shared.
Mrs. Harris says she’s experiencing so many emotions from hurt to confusion. She said her son would’ve done anything to make a good life for his son including negotiating with the child’s mother. Right now, she deeply feels anger.
“I’m angry at how my son succumbed to his death. Like you really just treated him like he was a piece of trash. And I’m concerned because what’s next? I’m concerned that she and her conspirators, for whatever reason, through some loophole or whatever, will not be convicted to the fullest extent of the law,” she shared.
Officials believe the three suspects conspired to lure Harris to a specific location, where they used a handgun modified to auto-mode to kill him.
“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,” said Spillman. “We’re aware that Mississippi authorities are pursuing charges in this case, however, we believe the plan to commit this crime was hatched here; and the initial phases leading up to Steven’s death began here in West Feliciana Parish.”
Sheriff Spillman tells UWK the women were moved to a new location because his jail can’t accommodate female inmates. They are still in custody.
The West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office has set bond amounts for the suspects: $450,000 for Hollins, $350,000 for Martin, and $365,000 for Jack. Hollins also faces an additional charge of Possession of a Machine Gun, according to officials.
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