HERNANDO, MISS — Today, Mark McDaniel was found guilty of second-degree murder after a three-day jury trial in connection with the December 2022 shooting death of Southaven native Christian Saulsberry. District Attorney Matthew Barton issued a strong statement following the verdict, saying, “This was not an accident. This was a reckless, cowardly act by a Memphis man who came to DeSoto County with the intent to cause harm. Christian Saulsberry was a young man with a bright future, and now he is gone, senselessly killed by someone who couldn’t control his own violent impulses.”
Christian Saulsberry, a 2015 graduate of Northpoint High School in Southaven, was a talented athlete and former professional football player for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. His life was tragically cut short when he was struck by stray bullets fired by McDaniel at a house party in Walls, Mississippi.
The party, a clothing reveal and birthday celebration, was supposed to be a joyful occasion. McDaniel, a Memphis resident, arrived early and became intoxicated, displaying erratic and confrontational behavior throughout the evening. Despite being asked multiple times to leave, McDaniel refused, escalating tensions with other partygoers and the host. After a physical altercation with the host, McDaniel retreated to his car, retrieved a firearm, and fired indiscriminately into the crowd.
Eyewitnesses testified that Saulsberry was an innocent bystander who had no involvement in any of the altercations that night. With his back turned, Saulsberry was struck by two stray bullets and died from his injuries, leaving his family and community devastated.
District Attorney Barton concluded, “McDaniel’s violent actions were senseless, and the impact on Christian’s family is immeasurable. While nothing can undo the pain this family has suffered, today’s verdict ensures that justice has been done. We hope this brings some semblance of closure, though the wound left by the loss of such a bright, young life will never fully heal.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rosharwin Williams and investigated by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. Sentencing for McDaniel will be on December 17, 2024.
Defendant Information:
McDaniel, Mark
Memphis, Tenn.
Charges:
– Second-Degree Murdery
