Natchez native arrested in connection to fatal shooting of former JSU player

Published 12:11 am Wednesday, February 4, 2015

NATCHEZ A Natchez man was arrested in the fatal shooting of a Natchez native and former Jackson State University football player following an altercation at a club near Alcorn State University.

Kennen McCallister, 21, was charged with aggravated assault following the death of Travis Woods, 23, outside of Patton’s Store in Lorman, according to Claiborne County Sheriff Marvin Lucas.

Lucas says more charges are possible against McCallister as investigators continue attempting to determine exactly what occurred at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday.

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Lucas said McCallister was working as a security guard at the club and came outside after hearing an altercation.

Investigators are still working to find out what started the fight.

“(McCallister) came outside after hearing the altercation and fired some shots,” Lucas said. “One of those shots hit Mr. Woods and killed him. Two other young men got hit, but there’s no doubt that those bullets came from Mr. McCallister’s gun.”

Lucas said investigators were able to recover a handgun from McCallister they believe fired the shots that killed Woods and injured two others at the club. One of the victims who was shot was treated and released, while Lucas says the other is in critical but stable condition.

Lucas declined to release more information on the gun or details regarding the shooting, saying the investigation is still ongoing.

After graduating from Natchez High School in 2009, Woods went on to play for Jackson State, and was a member of the 2013 JSU Tiger football squad.

McCallister is also a graduate of NHS and played football with Woods in 2008.

McCallister was being held at the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office Jail Tuesday afternoon with no bond.