Tanya Saucier, Poplarville, Mississippi woman shoots dead estranged husband, James Ray Saucier moments after divorce court proceedings. Couple had history of domestic violence, including allegations that he’d shot her in the face last year.
A Mississippi woman is accused of shooting and killing her estranged husband outside of a court house following the conclusion of divorce proceedings between the two just moments before.
Tanya Saucier, 49, is alleged to have shot James Ray Saucier, 62, circa 12.15pm on Tuesday in the entryway of the Pearl River County Chancery Court in Poplarville, Tennessee the sheriff’s office said.
James Saucier’s attorney, Don Rafferty, said the couple’s divorce proceedings had just ended when gunfire broke out.
‘I was handling some paperwork when things went crossways,’ Rafferty told WLOX-TV.
Rafferty praised the quick action of people working at the courthouse.
‘There were a couple of people who got out there trying to save his life, including women who worked in the Chancery Clerk’s office. They went above and beyond trying to save his life.’
Tanya Saucier’s attorney, Jansen Owen, said he was walking out of the building when his client opened fire.
‘Basically, I left the courthouse and she opened fire. I did ultimately subdue her at which point she made threats against me,’ Owen said. ‘I administered first aid as best I could to Mr. Saucier.’
Owen said he had military training and knew how to administer basic first aid and tourniquet.
Following the shooting, Tanya Saucier was taken into custody by the Poplarville Police Department.
Marriage marred by domestic violence
Family member Johanna Peterson told WVUE-TV the family is distraught by what happened.
‘It’s confusing for us, tragic,’ Peterson said. ‘The family is in shock, as well as frustrated and enraged.’
‘I wish they could have worked out their problems in a peaceful way, I wish they had God in the center of their hearts so that every decision they made was based on, ‘What would Jesus do?’’ James Saucier’s brother-in-law Wordie Carroll said.
The former married couple are alleged to have had a history of violence during their marriage.
Court documents show James Saucier was indicted in August on charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence with a deadly weapon. He was accused of shooting Tanya Saucier five times, including once in the face, a year ago.
‘My client said he was defending himself,’ Rafferty said. ‘And you saw what happened today.’
James Saucier’s trial had been set for March 4.
Tanya Saucier, remains held on a charge of murder.
