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Arkansas State defensive lineman Markel Owens (94) rushes the passer against offensive lineman Steven Stevens during a practice on Jan. 2, 2014, at UMS-Wright in Mobile in preparation for the GoDaddy Bowl. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)

On Jan. 5, Markel Owens was with the Arkansas State Red Wolves in Mobile for the GoDaddy Bowl. The reserve defensive lineman contributed a first-quarter tackle to ASU's 23-20 victory over Ball State at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. On Wednesday night, Owens was killed in Jackson, Tenn., trying to protect his parents in a home invasion.

Markel Owens

"Our worst fears were realized as an athletics department after being notified early this morning about the unfortunate news about Markel," said Arkansas State athletic director Terry Mohajir. "We're deeply saddened, and our utmost sympathies go out to his family, teammates and classmates. Please join me in prayer for so many people who are being impacted by the loss of Markel."

The Associated Press reported on Thursday that police said Owens and his stepfather had been shot to death. Owens, 21, and Johnny Shivers were fatally shot, with Shivers dead at the scene and Owens pronounced dead at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Chermaine Owens, Shivers' wife and Owens' mother, also was shot. She was treated and released from the hospital.

"I think you can conclude that he was protecting his mother and stepfather," Jackson police spokesman Tyreece Miller said.

The AP reported two masked men forced Shivers into his apartment when he arrived home on Wednesday night. Owens and his mother were already inside. A struggle started after the suspects demanded money, and Shivers and Owens were shot. The suspects left with a large amount of cash, police said. Police discovered a large amount of marijuana inside the apartment.

Owens had just completed his redshirt junior season. He was majoring in business management.

Owens did not play in Arkansas State's victory over Kent State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile after the 2012 season, but did in the Red Wolves' loss to Northern Illinois in the GoDaddy.com Bowl that ended the 2011 season.

"Markel was a part of our Red Wolves family, and it is obvious he was a well-liked and respected member of our team who will be missed," said Blake Anderson, Arkansas State's new football coach. "We are doing everything possible to comfort his teammates, and we extend our compassion to his family during this difficult time."