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.

Upon receiving news of the fire, emergency teams raced to the scene where they identified the deceased individuals.

James Fulgham, aged 31,was taken into custody and faces charges related to the crime. Preliminary findings indicate that Fulgham shot Zina Williams, in her 40s, and her 8-year-old child, Zacchesus. After the fatal incident, the trailer was set ablaze.

Further details reveal that after the incident, Fulgham left the location in a car that belonged to Williams. Law enforcement officers located the vehicle in a secluded forested area near Fulgham’s house the day after. His arrest occurred in Lauderdale County.

Emerging details from the investigation suggest that an argument could have been the precursor to the violent episode. Both Williams and the accused were employed at the same Tyson food processing unit, where coworkers recall hearing them argue. 

Following this, gunshots were reported by neighborhood residents. Some eyewitnesses reported seeing Fulgham depart from the residence by himself after the event.

Sheriff Mike Lee of Scott County conveyed that such grievous events are infrequent in the area. It was also mentioned that Zacchesus was a pupil at Forest Elementary School.

Fulgham’s charges consist of two counts of capital murder, arson, and vehicle theft. He is currently held at the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and is not eligible for bail.