A woman in Mississippi has been charged with murder following the shooting of her ex-husband outside a courthouse, just moments after their divorce was finalized, according to authorities.
Tanya Saucier, 49, was arrested on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, accused of fatally shooting her ex-husband, James Ray Saucier, 62. The incident took place around 12:15 p.m. at the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center in Poplarville, Mississippi, shortly after they ended their divorce proceedings, as reported by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office.
“What Miss Saucier did yesterday is unjustifiable,” stated Jansen Owen, Tanya Saucier’s divorce attorney. “I witnessed her murder him.”
Due to their tumultuous relationship, the couple arrived separately for their divorce settlement. Tanya Saucier, along with her attorney, arrived at 10 a.m., whereas James Saucier and his lawyer arrived an hour later. The shooting took place just before 1 p.m., as James Saucier was leaving the building.
“I was handling some paperwork when things went crossways,” Don Rafferty, James Saucier’s attorney, informed local media.
Investigators revealed that Tanya Saucier allegedly used a 9mm handgun with a 15-round magazine. She was apprehended on the spot by court officers and was subsequently taken into custody by the Poplarville Police Department.
A U.S. Army veteran, Tanya Saucier had been known for making social media posts conveying suspicion and perceived threats. While some community members described her as compassionate and friendly, others observed changes in her demeanor following her military service.
The couple’s relationship had been plagued by domestic violence. Court documents reveal that James Saucier was indicted in August 2024 on charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence with a deadly weapon. He was accused of shooting Tanya Saucier five times, once in the face, a year before. His attorney maintained he acted in self-defense.
“The family is in shock, as well as frustrated and enraged,” expressed Johanna Peterson, James Saucier’s sister-in-law. “She’s taken seven grandchildren’s grandfather away from them. He has a daughter and a son.”
After the shooting, courthouse staff and local citizens tried to administer first aid to James Saucier, but he succumbed to his injuries. Legal analyst Joe Raspanti suggested that Tanya Saucier’s defense team might consider a mental capacity defense. She is currently being held without bond.
The incident has stirred up concerns about the security measures in Mississippi courthouses. Owen, who is also a state representative, pointed out systematic security issues in courthouses across the country. The Pearl River County facility does not have security cameras, but officials have secured federal funding for security enhancements.