A house fire at 548 Wash Drive in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, led firefighters on October 9, 2023, to the bodies of 7-year-old Zacchaeus Williams and his 36-year-old mother, Zina Williams. Both were found inside the burning home and investigators determined each had been shot; the child was reportedly shot at least three times.

Authorities identified James Fulgham, who was in a relationship with Zina Williams, as a suspect in the double homicide and the arson. Neighbors reported hearing a brief altercation, then what they believed were gunshots, and observed Fulgham leaving the residence alone. Law enforcement tracked a vehicle tied to the case to a wooded area near the suspect’s home, located the vehicle, and prepared a search warrant for a King Road residence. Fulgham was seen in a vehicle on King Road and was taken into custody without incident on October 10, 2023. He has been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of arson; additional charges may be possible.

If anyone knew Zacchaeus or Zina or has information about the events at 548 Wash Drive, please come forward to assist the investigation.