On the evening of October 9, 2023, firefighters responding to a fire at a mobile home on Wash Drive in Forest, Mississippi, found the bodies of 46-year-old Zina Williams and her 8-year-old son, Zacchaeus Williams. Initial appearances of a deadly blaze changed after investigators determined both had been shot: Zina suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and her son was shot multiple times. Investigators say the fire was set deliberately to conceal the killings.

Police arrested 31-year-old James Fulgham the following day in Lauderdale County. Fulgham, described in reports as having been in a relationship with Williams, was charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of arson, and is also charged with auto theft after Williams’ car was reportedly found hidden in woods near his residence. Coworkers at Tyson Foods reported seeing the couple arguing earlier the same day.

The deaths shocked the Forest community. If anyone has information about Zina, her son, or the events of October 9, please come forward to local law enforcement.