Published: May 14, 2008 10:37 am         

Holmes CC player dies in drive-by shooting

HOLMES COUNTY – Holmes Community College Head Football Coach Danny Robertson had plans for running back Cortex Bowie next season on the gridiron.

Those plans came to an end early Saturday morning when the 20-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting on Interstate 55 near Durant.

Holmes County Sheriff Willie March said a white Ford Explorer pulled up to Bowie’s Mercury Sedan and several gunshots were fired but Bowie was shot only once through the shoulder.

He was transported to the (University Medical Center – Lexington) hospital, where he died, March said. Bowie’s passenger was unharmed.

Robertson described Bowie as a “fine, fine young man” who took care of himself.

“I have an 8-year-old that was just crazy about him,” Robertson said of the young man who was a walk-on to the football team.

Robertson described Bowie as outgoing, friendly and a good student who was going to graduate in a few days.

“He could have moved on but he decided to stay on ( and play one more year), Robertson said.

Both March and Robertson share similar impressions of what happened Saturday morning.

"We don't know if they were being targeted. We learned that there was a scuffle at the party, but the passenger said they weren't involved," March said in an interview with The Clarion-Ledger.

Robertson said, “We don’t know if it was a case of mistaken identity or what.”

HCC football team met on Monday with the coaching staff to inform them on the situation and allow players a time to talk.

Bowie, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound running back, was the team's second-leading rusher with 235 yards on 71 carries during the 2007 season.

There is an investigation underway and there are no suspects at this time, March said.

If you have any information about the case , call the HCSD at 834-1511.

Funeral services for Bowie will be at Traveler’s Rest M.B. Church Friday at noon with burial at Parkway Cemetery.

Winters Funeral Home of Kosciusko is in charge of the arrangements.