Yahir Valiente‑Alba, 16, a freshman at South Jones High School in Ellisville, Mississippi, died on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a violent confrontation near the Texaco gas station on Highway 590 that ended in a nearby pond. A classmate has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with his death.
According to Jones County Coroner Burl Hall, Valiente‑Alba was identified as the victim and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the official cause of death. Witness Randall Blair told reporters he saw three teenagers arrive at the Texaco parking lot in a vehicle. One of them exited and began striking the trunk of the car before chasing the other two boys.
Blair stated that one teenager managed to re‑enter the vehicle and drive away, while Valiente‑Alba fled toward a nearby pond. The suspect allegedly pursued him, beat him, and held him underwater. Bystanders attempted to intervene but were warned off when the suspect claimed to have a gun.
Ellisville Police Investigator Kyle Pickett confirmed that all three teenagers knew each other and were students at South Jones High School. Authorities are investigating whether drugs may have played a role in the incident, though no weapon has yet been recovered.
The juvenile suspect was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter. During an initial court appearance, he was denied bond. A hearing in Jones County Youth Court has been scheduled for June 2, 2026.
Valiente‑Alba was remembered as a promising soccer player and longtime member of the Laurel‑Jones County Futbol Club. Friends and family described him as someone who lit up every room and made friends wherever he went. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help his family cover expenses.
Jones County School Superintendent B.R. Jones said the loss has deeply affected students and staff across the district. Counseling and support resources are being made available, and upcoming school events will include opportunities to honor Valiente‑Alba’s memory.
