ELLISVILLE, Miss. — Authorities have identified the 16-year-old South Jones High School student who died Monday in a tragic incident near a gas station in Ellisville, Mississippi, as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the case.

Jones County Coroner Burl Hall confirmed the victim was 16-year-old Yahir Valiente-Alba, a freshman at South Jones High School and a member of the Laurel-Jones County Futbol Club.

According to Ellisville Police Department Investigator Kyle Pickett, one of Valiente-Alba’s classmates was taken into custody following the incident.

Sources close to the investigation confirmed the juvenile suspect has since been charged with manslaughter and was denied bond during an initial court appearance Tuesday.

The incident occurred Monday near the Texaco gas station located along Mississippi Highway 590 in Ellisville.

Witness Randall Blair told reporters he observed much of the confrontation unfold in the gas station parking lot.

According to Blair, a vehicle carrying three teenage boys arrived at the location before one of the occupants exited the vehicle and began striking the trunk aggressively.

Authorities confirmed the teenagers knew one another and all attended South Jones High School.

Blair stated that the confrontation escalated when the same individual allegedly began chasing the other two teenagers. One teenager reportedly managed to re-enter the vehicle and drive away, while Valiente-Alba fled toward a nearby pond.

The witness alleged that the suspect pursued Valiente-Alba into the water, physically assaulted him, and held him underwater.

Blair further claimed that bystanders attempted to intervene but were warned to stay back after the suspect allegedly claimed to possess a firearm.

Emergency responders and police officers were dispatched to the scene shortly afterward, where Valiente-Alba was later pronounced dead.

Ellisville police have not publicly confirmed whether a weapon was recovered at the scene or whether foul play has officially been determined as the cause of death.

Investigator Pickett stated that authorities are also examining whether drugs may have played a role in the events leading up to the fatal incident.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

The death of Yahir Valiente-Alba has deeply impacted the Jones County community, with classmates, teammates, teachers, and residents sharing tributes and memories across social media.

Friends and family described Valiente-Alba as a friendly and outgoing teenager who “made friends wherever he went.”

According to family members, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses and support the family during the difficult time.

Valiente-Alba was also remembered as a dedicated soccer player with the Laurel-Jones County Futbol Club.

Jones County Superintendent B.R. Jones acknowledged the emotional impact the tragedy has had on students and faculty across the district.

“We are wrapping up the school year, so there will be several awards programs and things like that going on,” Jones said. “I know that there will be mentions of these students throughout that. We’ll be coordinating with the families as well in regards to any remembrances.”

Authorities have not released additional details as the manslaughter investigation continues.