On Monday evening, October 9, 2023, in Scott County, Mississippi, a man allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend and her young son before setting their trailer on fire.
Firefighters who responded to the report of the fire found the two bodies.
James Fulgham, 31, has been charged in connection with the murders. He is accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Zina Williams, 43, and her 8-year-old son, Zacchesus. After the alleged shooting, Fulgham reportedly set their trailer on fire. Williams was shot once in the head, while Zacchesus suffered three gunshot wounds.
Fulgham then reportedly fled the scene in Williams’ car. He was arrested the next day in Lauderdale County, a neighboring county. Williams’ car was found concealed in the woods behind Fulgham’s residence.
As the investigation continues, it is revealed that there might have been an altercation before the crime. The couple, who both worked at a Tyson food processing plant, were reportedly overheard arguing at work. Neighbors later heard gunshots. Witnesses claimed to have seen Fulgham leaving the home alone shortly after the incident.
Sheriff Mike Lee stated that such events are uncommon in Scott County. Zacchesus was known to be a student at Forest Elementary School.
Fulgham now faces two counts of capital murder, one count of arson, and auto theft. He is in custody at the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and has been denied bail.
