Police: 1 dead, 2 others injured, 1 wanted after shooting at Humboldt basketball game

HUMBOLDT — The night started with a pair of basketball games between the teams representing Humboldt High School and North Side.

But less than two hours in, shots were fired outside the gym near the concession stand leaving one dead, two more wounded and one man charged with multiple offenses with local law enforcement searching for him.

According to a statement by Humboldt Police Wednesday afternoon, 21-year-old Justin Kevon Pankey, of Humboldt, was shot and died at the scene in the lobby of the Thomas Boykin Gymnasium at Humboldt High. Jackson resident Xavier Clifton, 18, was shot and flown to Memphis and was listed in serious condition Wednesday morning after overnight surgery at Regional One.

A third victim, Dontavious Cross, was taken in a personal vehicle to a hospital in Jackson, treated and released.

Law enforcement's investigation led Humboldt Police to charge 18-year-old Jadon Davon Hardiman, of Jackson, with first degree murder, attempted first degree murder with serious bodily injury, attempted first degree murder, armed dangerous felons (three counts), tampering with evidence and carrying a gun or weapon onto school property.

"Jadon Davon Hardiman is not in custody at this time and should be considered armed and dangerous," the statement said. "If anyone knows his whereabouts or come in contact with him please contact your local law enforcement agency.

"This is an ongoing investigation anyone with information is asked to call the Humboldt Police Department at 731-784-1322."

The initial call came into Humboldt Police dispatch at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday. Officers and agents from Humboldt, Gibson County Sheriff, Medina Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrived on scene to fill the school parking lot with flashing blue lights.

Amid the lights, students and fans emerged from the gym doors or from huddles of people as their guardians arrived to pick them up or they were ready to go after being questioned by investigators.

With the exception of an occasional conversation between people louder than a whisper, the cranking of an engine or the bark of a canine officer, the scene in the parking lot was mostly silent.

"We appreciate the help of other agencies who assisted," Buchanan said. "They responded quickly and helped us keep a situation under control that could've gotten out of hand quickly and been worse than it already was."

Humboldt City Schools Superintendent Janice Epperson released a statement late Tuesday night, saying the altercation happened between two adults and no Humboldt students were involved or injured in the altercation.

Classes were canceled on Wednesday as well for all Humboldt schools.

Jackson-Madison County Schools Superintendent Marlon King gave North Side students the opportunity for virtual learning on Wednesday, and North Side Principal Jason Bridgeman had crisis counselors on campus.

Thursday night's basketball game between North Side and Carroll Academy was postponed.

Buchanan said one person was in custody.

"He's not charged with anything," Buchanan clarified. "But he's in custody for investigative purposes."

Jarod Hamilton contributed to this report.

This story will be updated as information becomes available.