McDaniel guilty in shooting death of Christian Saulsberry

Nov 21, 2024- A Memphis man has been found guilty of murder in the December 2022 shooting death of a Southaven man who was a standout football player in high school and went on to begin a professional football career in the Canadian Football League when he was killed.  

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton Thursday announced the conviction of Mark McDaniel on second-degree murder charges in the death of Christian Saulsberry. McDaniel was convicted after a three-day jury trial.

“This was not an accident,” Barton said after the conviction. “This was a reckless, cowardly act by a Memphis man who came to DeSoto County with the intent to cause harm. Christian Saulsberry was a young man with a bright future, and now he is gone, senselessly killed by someone who couldn’t control his own violent impulses.”

Saulsberry was a star running back who played at Northpoint Christian School, graduating in 2016 and helping lead the Trojans to the 2015 TSSAA Division II-A state championship game. From there, he played college football at Itawamba Community College and at the University of West Georgia. He had just begun a pro career as a kick returner with the CFL’s Edmonton Elks. 

Attending a house party in Walls after finishing his first season with the Elks, Saulsberry was struck by stray bullets fired by McDaniel.  

According to information from the District Attorney’s office, the party, a clothing reveal and birthday celebration, was supposed to be a joyful occasion. McDaniel, a Memphis resident, arrived early and became intoxicated, displaying erratic and confrontational behavior throughout the evening. Despite being asked multiple times to leave, McDaniel refused, escalating tensions with other partygoers and the host. After a physical altercation with the host, McDaniel retreated to his car, retrieved a firearm, and fired indiscriminately into the crowd.

Eyewitnesses testified that Saulsberry was an innocent bystander who had no involvement in any of the altercations that night. With his back turned, Saulsberry was struck by two stray bullets and died from his injuries.

“McDaniel’s violent actions were senseless, and the impact on Christian’s family is immeasurable,” Barton said. “While nothing can undo the pain this family has suffered, today’s verdict ensures that justice has been done. We hope this brings some semblance of closure, though the wound left by the loss of such a bright, young life will never fully heal.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Saulberry’s jersey number was retired by Northpoint Christian School and the Edmonton Elks named him a “Fan Favourite.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rosharwin Williams and investigated by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department. 

Sentencing for McDaniel will be on Dec. 17.