Former Meridian High School and Mississippi State football player Chris Smith was shot and killed Friday night in Meridian.

Smith was identified as the victim Meridian Police Department Sgt. Dareall Thompson said Saturday.

The shooting took place Friday night at Frank Berry Courts on 42nd Avenue. Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler said he was called around 11 p.m. and confirmed the death.

Cobler said he had no other details.

Police are trying to determine a motive, and according to Thompson they do have a person of interest they are searching for.

“Investigators are conducting interviews with witnesses at this time, trying to determine what the motive for the shooting might have been,” Thompson said. “Based on the information of a witness there was some type of altercation.”

Thompson said this is an example of when a weapon is involved things can get out of control.

“One person had a gun, and when you get angry the first thing you are going to do is grab that weapon.”

Smith was a 2009 graduate of Meridian High School. He was a member of the 2008 MHSAA Class 5A state championship team that went 14-1. One of the state’s top recruits, he committed to Mississippi State in 2008 and played in 10 games during his freshman season in 2009 where he logged playing time in 10 games, including two starts. Smith finished his Bulldog career in 2012, with 109 receptions, 1,180 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

“He was a really good player — always competitive,” said Larry Weems, Smith’s head coach at Meridian. “It was always important for him to win, and he didn’t want to lose in anything. He was always intense. He was an outstanding player who worked hard and learned his trade. He ended up being a good player and had an opportunity to go to college to get his degree. I was really proud of him.”

The scene at Frank Berry Courts was quiet Saturday, with two people sitting on a porch and a couple of youth walking through. Those who were willing to talk said they didn’t have any details about the shooting Friday night.

Staff writer Elton Hayes contributed to this report.