South MS school district confirms criminal investigation after fight
.jpg "A criminal investigation is underway following a fight that broke out Friday involving visitors on school district property during the Pearl River Central girls basketball game against Picayune, according to school officials.")
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- School district confirms criminal investigation after visitor fight at game
- All involved were adults; two participants identified as sons of official
- District vows cooperation with police, promises transparency and accountability
Editor’s note: An arrest has been made regarding this incident.
A criminal investigation is underway following a fight that broke out Friday involving visitors on school district property during the Pearl River Central girls basketball game against Picayune, according to school officials.
The Pearl River County School District issued a statement Monday about the incident that resulted in injuries to a “visiting spectator” on the school property.
No details were released other than the Pearl River County School District confirming an investigation is underway, and that all individuals involved were over the age of 18 and that the incident “has attracted considerable public attention due to the fact that two of the individuals involved are the sons of an elected official from the visiting school district”
The Pearl River County School District is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation, but would not provide any detailed information on what occurred.
Instead, Superintendent Jeremy Weir issued a statement.
“The Pearl River County School District condemns all acts of violence in the strongest possible terms. Our athletic events and school campuses must remain safe environments for students, families, and community members,” he said. “The District will continue to work closely with law enforcement to support the investigation and uphold the standards of safety and accountability expected by our community.”
In addition, Weir said the School District “reaffirms its commitment to transparency and public trust.”
The Sun Herald reached out to Pearl River County Sheriff David Alison for more information, but has not yet heard back.
This breaking news story will be updated as new information becomes available.
This story was originally published January 12, 2026 at 5:48 PM.
