Arkansas State defensive lineman Markel Owens was fatally shot on Wednesday night while reportedly trying to protect his parents from robbers who broke into a Jackson, Tenn. residence.
The 21-year-old junior and his stepfather Johnny Shivers, 36, were shot to death during the home invasion robbery at a duplex, according to police who spoke with ESPN. Shivers was pronounced dead on-site, but Owens died after he was transferred to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
Owen's mother, whose identity has not yet been publicized, was also shot, ESPN reported. She was released from the medical facility shortly after receiving treatment.
Jackson police spokesperson Tyreece Miller said it was safe to say that Owens died "protecting his mother and stepfather."
Athletic director at Arkansas State Terry Mohajir released a statement shortly after news broke of the Red Wolves players' death.
"We're deeply saddened and our utmost sympathies go out to his family, teammates and classmates," Mohajir wrote. "Please join me in prayer for so many people who are being impacted by the loss of Markel."
According to detectives involved in the case, Shivers had just gotten home when two masked men pummeled him, forcing him into the apartment. Owens and his mother were inside, ESPN reported, when the two attackers demanded money. Owens and Shivers began brawling with the men, trying to wrestle them out of the residence. The two were shot in the scuffle, and the robbers ran off with a significant amount of money.
Police believed the burglars targeted Shivers specifically, adding that they found a large cache of marijuana inside the apartment, according to ESPN.
