Pearl River County, MS – A Mississippi woman has been arrested for shooting and killing her ex-husband outside the Pearl River Courthouse in broad daylight, in what was described as a busy scene.
49-year-old Tanya Saucier was sitting in her car, waiting for her husband, James Ray Saucier, to exit the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center in Poplarville on Tuesday, shortly after their divorce was finalized in court.
Tanya’s divorce attorney stated that the couple had to enter the Justice Center separately for the conclusion of their divorce proceedings due to their volatile relationship.
The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office reported that the meeting between the couple and their attorneys with the judge to finalize their divorce proceedings was unplanned and unscheduled.
Reportedly, Tanya used a 9mm handgun with a 15-round magazine to shoot James 9–10 times while their attorneys were present at the scene.
Tanya’s divorce attorney told a news outlet that he witnessed the murder and described the act as unjustifiable. “There’s no justification or excuse for anyone to open fire on someone in a public setting,” he said.
According to reports, Tanya and her attorney arrived at the courthouse at 10:00 AM, while James and his attorney arrived about an hour later. James exited the Justice Center just before 1:00 PM when the shooting occurred.
James’s attorney stated that they were handling some paperwork when Tanya began shooting.
After the incident, Tanya was arrested at the scene on a single count of murder.
Tanya’s attorney, who is also a state representative, reportedly criticized courthouse security, saying that it is inadequate across the state of Mississippi.
James’s family and loved ones expressed sadness over the tragedy. They acknowledged that the couple had issues but never imagined such an outcome.
Court records revealed that James was indicted in August on aggravated assault charges and domestic violence with a deadly weapon. However, his attorney insists that Tanya was the instigator and attacker in the incident.
James’s attorney stated that his client was defending himself in August.
One of James’s relatives reportedly said they wished the couple could have resolved their issues peacefully.
James’s sister-in-law expressed the family’s shock and frustration, saying, “Tanya was right there with her attorney when she shot James 9–10 times. She’s taken seven grandchildren’s grandfather away from them. He has a daughter and a son.”
