MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A DeSoto County, Mississippi jury found a man guilty of second-degree murder Thursday in the shooting death of a professional football player from Southaven. Christian Saulsberry, a graduate of Northpoint High School and former player for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League, was killed by a stray bullet fired at a house party in Walls, Mississippi in 2022. Family mourns after football player fatally shot in Mississippi Mark McDaniel of Memphis was convicted in Saulsberry's death. Mark McDaniel Prosecutors say McDaniel arrived at the party intoxicated and was confrontational before being asked to leave several times. After a physical fight with the host, he got a gun from his vehicle and sprayed bullets into a crowd. Saulsberry was an innocent bystander. He was struck by two stray bullets with his back turned and died from his injuries. “McDaniel’s violent actions were senseless, and the impact on Christian’s family is immeasurable. 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," District Attorney Barton said. Sentencing for McDaniel is set for Dec. 17.