A Mississippi woman is in police custody for fatally shooting her husband outside a courthouse shortly after their divorce was finalized.
Mississippi woman guns down husband
According to details provided by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, Tanya Saucier, 49, gunned down her ex-husband, James Ray Saucier, moments after their divorce proceedings concluded.
Jansen Owen, Tanya’s divorce attorney, revealed in a statement to local news outlet WLOX, that the former couple’s relationship was so contentious that they were required to attend the finalization proceedings separately.
Tanya allegedly waited in her vehicle outside the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center in Poplarville on Tuesday morning, until her newly ex-husband exited the building.
Authorities disclosed that Tanya used a 9 mm handgun with a 15-round magazine to fatally shoot James.
The attack unfolded in full view of lawyers, court attendees, and even her own attorney.
“What Miss Saucier did yesterday is unjustifiable,” Owen, who witnessed the aftermath, told WLOX. “I witnessed her murder him.”
Arriving separately at the courthouse, Tanya arrived at approximately 10 a.m., followed by James, who came an hour later with his attorney.
Just before 1 p.m., moments after James left the justice center, he was shot, law enforcement officials detailed.
“The meeting for the Sauciers and their attorneys with the judge to finalize the divorce proceedings was an impromptu, unscheduled meeting,” Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office Lead Investigator Maj. Scott Allee explained to WLOX.
James’s lawyer, Don Rafferty, recalled being near the victim when the horrifying crime occurred.
“I was handling some paperwork when things went crossways,” Rafferty shared with WLOX.
“I was right behind him and getting some papers signed. After the hearing, she went down, got in her truck to grab her gun, and came back and shot him twice.”
Describing the moments after the shots were fired, Owen, who also happens to serve as a state representative, said, “Basically, I left the courthouse, and she opened fire.”
While James was shot, Owen potentially saved the lives of others by subduing Tanya.
“She was walking towards me. I grabbed her and put my knee in her back until law enforcement took over. I kicked the gun away,” he detailed.
Mississippi woman charged with murder
Tanya was arrested at the scene, and police charged her with murder. Officials confirmed she remains in custody at the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center, though details about her next court appearance have not been released.
Owen highlighted what he perceives as a widespread security flaw, blaming courthouse procedures in Mississippi for enabling tragedies like this one.
“That’s the way it is in Mississippi—throughout the state,” he noted. “We have a really big problem throughout Mississippi with lacking courthouse security.”
Pearl River County’s Maj. Allee acknowledged security concerns, pointing out that some funding had been allocated through federal sources to enhance security, though the exact amount remains unclear.
“There is a recognized need for enhanced security measures there,” Allee stated.
The grim history between Tanya and James allegedly involved allegations of violence long before the fatal shooting.
Court records revealed that James was indicted in August on charges including aggravated assault and domestic violence involving a deadly weapon.
However, James’s attorney contended that it was Tanya who had instigated and attacked her husband in the past.
“My client said he was defending himself,” Rafferty stated. “And you saw what happened today.”
Divorced couple had a violent relationship
The turbulent nature of their relationship was highlighted by disturbing claims within court documents.
Tanya filed for divorce on December 27, 2023, citing an incident from September 1, 2023, where James allegedly shot her in the eye.
He was subsequently charged with aggravated assault, and a trial was scheduled for March 2025.
Additionally, records indicate Tanya sought protection from James earlier this year. She filed for a protective order on April 2, which was officially approved on November 26.
Despite the complexities surrounding their past, Owen condemned Tanya’s actions, reiterating that personal vendettas should not lead to violent escalation.
“We do not do vigilante justice in America,” Owen stressed. “It’s just tragic and senseless, and now, we have a man dead.”
