A Mississippi woman faces murder charges after allegedly shooting her estranged husband outside Pearl River County Chancery Court in Poplarville following divorce proceedings. Tanya Saucier, 49, was arrested after allegedly killing James Ray Saucier, 62, in the courthouse entryway Tuesday just before 1 p.m.
The victim’s attorney, Don Rafferty, reported the shooting occurred immediately after the divorce proceedings concluded. State Rep. Jansen Owen, who represented Tanya Saucier, said he helped subdue his client after she opened fire, then attempted to provide first aid to James Saucier despite receiving threats.
Court records reveal a complex history of domestic violence between the couple. James Saucier had been indicted in August on charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence with a deadly weapon, accused of shooting Tanya Saucier five times, including once in the face, a year earlier. His trial had been scheduled for March 4.
Family member Johanna Peterson expressed the family’s shock and distress, describing the situation as “confusing, tragic” and noting their frustration and anger. Tanya Saucier remains in custody at the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center in Poplarville.
