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.
Fire crews were dispatched following reports of a blaze and, upon arrival, discovered the bodies of the two victims.
The individual believed to be responsible, James Fulgham, 31, has been detained and charged for the crimes. Authorities believe that Fulgham shot his girlfriend, Zina Williams, in her 40s, in the head. Her son, Zacchesus, 8, sustained three gunshot injuries.
Following the crime, it was discovered that Fulgham allegedly used Williams’ vehicle to flee the area. The car was found the subsequent day, hidden in a wooded area behind Fulgham’s home. He was apprehended in Lauderdale County, which is adjacent to Scott County.
Recent developments in the investigation hint at a potential argument leading up to the fatal event. Both Williams and Fulgham were employed at a Tyson food processing facility and some colleagues reported hearing the two in a heated discussion. Additionally, neighbors recalled hearing gunshots around the time of the incident and some claim to have seen Fulgham exiting the house alone.
Scott County’s Sheriff, Mike Lee, remarked that occurrences like these are rare in the county.
The charges brought against Fulgham include two counts of capital murder, a single count of arson, and auto theft. Presently, he remains in the custody of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office without the option of bail.
