Community mourns loss of beloved church member in Jackson

Malcolm Harris, a 25-year-old, is being mourned by his church family at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Jackson. Ervin Ricks, a member of the church, said, “To know him is to know somebody that is warm and loving and funny and very caring.”Jackson police say he was found dead inside a vacant home on Skyline Drive last week.The Hinds County coroner confirmed that Harris died from a single gunshot wound. The investigation scene was surrounded by police tape as authorities investigated the cause of his death. “There is a lot of young people, a lot of family and friends that are left with a tremendous void on their life,” Ricks said.Ricks said it’s been tough for the church to move forward without him. He had been a member of Greater Bethlehem for a little over a year after moving from Texas to take care of his mother. He’s remembered for his musical talents and his deep faith, which he shared through singing and playing the piano.”He was able to make use of that gift by going to one of the churches that didn’t have a musician and volunteering there as well,” Ricks said.Ricks expressed hope that Harriss felt the love and impact he had on those around him. “Malcolm, you’re gone too soon, and we’re going to miss you, and you left a tremendous impact, and we just only hope that we impacted him in some way as well,” Ricks said.Jackson police say Nequan Balentine will be charged with the murder of Harris. He is also facing auto theft, armed robbery and aggravated assault on law enforcement.

JACKSON, Miss. —

Malcolm Harris, a 25-year-old, is being mourned by his church family at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Jackson.

Ervin Ricks, a member of the church, said, “To know him is to know somebody that is warm and loving and funny and very caring.”

Jackson police say he was found dead inside a vacant home on Skyline Drive last week.

The Hinds County coroner confirmed that Harris died from a single gunshot wound. The investigation scene was surrounded by police tape as authorities investigated the cause of his death.

“There is a lot of young people, a lot of family and friends that are left with a tremendous void on their life,” Ricks said.

Ricks said it’s been tough for the church to move forward without him. He had been a member of Greater Bethlehem for a little over a year after moving from Texas to take care of his mother.

He’s remembered for his musical talents and his deep faith, which he shared through singing and playing the piano.

“He was able to make use of that gift by going to one of the churches that didn’t have a musician and volunteering there as well,” Ricks said.

Ricks expressed hope that Harriss felt the love and impact he had on those around him.

“Malcolm, you’re gone too soon, and we’re going to miss you, and you left a tremendous impact, and we just only hope that we impacted him in some way as well,” Ricks said.

Jackson police say Nequan Balentine will be charged with the murder of Harris. He is also facing auto theft, armed robbery and aggravated assault on law enforcement.