Starkville Football Player Indicted Following Assault Incident

News Summary

The Starkville community is shaken after football player De’Monte Russell was indicted on misdemeanor charges stemming from an assault on fellow student Trace Howell. The incident, which left Howell with serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury, has raised concerns about police conduct and the response time of authorities. Howell’s recovery journey continues as he returns to Mississippi State University, while questions linger about how the university is addressing such violent acts. The case is now set to be examined in Starkville Municipal Court.

Starkville Shaken By Football Player’s Assault Case

In the lively city of Starkville, Mississippi, news has emerged that is causing quite a stir within the local community. De’Monte Russell, a football player for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, is facing serious allegations following an incident that left fellow student Trace Howell with significant injuries. The story has captured the attention of many, stirring concern and outrage among students and parents alike.

What Happened?

The incident dates back to May, outside of a popular local eatery, Two Brothers Smoked Meats. What should have been an ordinary day took a disturbing turn when Russell allegedly assaulted Howell, who was a junior at the time. Reports indicate that Howell suffered a traumatic brain injury and experienced two brain bleeds after being struck by Russell.

The altercation escalated quickly, resulting in Howell falling and hitting his head on the concrete surface. Following this serious incident, Howell was rushed to the hospital before being transferred to a trauma facility in Memphis for urgent care.

Legal Ramifications

As the situation unfolded, the Oktibbeha County grand jury stepped in, leading to Russell’s indictment on a misdemeanor charge for simple assault. This ruling has transferred the case to the Starkville Municipal Court, where it will be further examined.

Although Russell was part of the Bulldogs’ defensive line during the 2024 season and is classified as a graduate student, concerns arose when it was noted that he had not been arrested until several months after the incident. Howell’s attorney has made headlines by expressing frustration regarding the delayed response from authorities.

Seeking Justice for Howell

Howell’s legal representative, attorney Jeff Reynolds, has made it clear that he is seeking jail time for Russell, noting a reported confession that indicates Russell’s acknowledgment of guilt. Reynolds has painted a grim picture of Howell’s recovery journey, revealing that his injuries required staples in his head due to the severity of the assault.

As Howell navigates his recovery, he has returned to Mississippi State University, where he is forging ahead with plans to attend law school. Despite this progress, the lingering effects of his brain injury raise questions about the feasibility of his goals and the support he may need as he moves forward.

Concerns About Police Conduct

Adding to the drama of the situation, Howell’s attorney has called attention to what seems to be a lack of thorough investigation by the Starkville Police. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that no formal interviews with witnesses occurred immediately following the incident. Eyewitness accounts revealed that Russell approached Howell from behind and delivered a sudden punch without any prior interaction.

In a recent development, Russell issued an apology on social media, expressing his deep regret over the incident and insisting that such behavior is not reflective of his character. However, this does little to alleviate the concerns and anger surrounding the case.

An Unfiltered Community Response

The Starkville community is buzzing with mixed emotions. Students, especially, have found themselves shaken by the incident frequently discussed among peers. Many are left wondering how such violence could happen among individuals associated with the same university.

Despite the tension, Howell is showing remarkable resilience as he continues his education. However, the community has not forgotten the incident, and questions regarding how Mississippi State University handles such allegations remain largely unanswered, as President Mark Keenum and Athletic Director Zac Selmon have yet to respond to inquiries about Howell’s situation.

Final Thoughts

The road ahead for Russell and Howell looks uncertain, but one thing is clear: incidents like these raise important questions about safety and justice in the community. With the legal proceedings ahead, there is hope for clarity and resolution, though for many, the shadow of this incident will linger on.

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Additional Resources

• WLBT: Mississippi State Football Player Charged
• WLBT: Attorney Says Star MSU Player Not Held Accountable
• Truman’s Tales: Mizzou Football Strong Rushing Attack
• SI: Mizzou Offense Defeats Mississippi State
• Starkville Daily News: Police Arrest Man for Aggravated Assault
• Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi