A Mississippi woman shot and killed her estranged husband outside the courthouse moments after they finalized their divorce, police claim.
Tanya Saucier, 49, was arrested for killing James Ray Saucier, 62, Tuesday after they wrapped up a divorce hearing at the Pearl River County Chancery Court.
The woman had filed for divorce on December 27, 2023, after James allegedly shot his wife in the eye on September 1, 2023, according to court documents obtained by WDAM.
James was charged with aggravated assault in August for the incident and his trial was scheduled for March 2025.
Court records show Tanya filed for a protective order on April 2 that was approved on November 26.
Gun fire broke out at the courthouse around 12:15 pm, according to Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office.
Tanya allegedly shot James several times after a proceeding where their attorneys negotiated the terms of their divorce.
‘It’s just tragic and senseless, and now, we have a man dead,’ James’s attorney, Donald Rafferty, told the Sun Herald.
Tanya Saucier (pictured), 49, was arrested for killing her estranged husband after they wrapped up a divorce hearing on Tuesday
Gun fire broke out at the Pearl River County Chancery Courthouse (pictured) around 12:15 pm
‘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.’
State Representative Jansen Owen, Tanya’s lawyer, said he was walking out of the courthouse when the shooting began and she even pointed her weapon at him.
‘Basically, I left the courthouse and she opened fire. 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,’ Owen told WLOX.
Johanna Peterson, a distant relative of James, told Fox 8 their family is devastated.
‘It’s confusing for us, tragic,’ Peterson said. ‘The family is in shock, as well as frustrated and enraged.’
‘She was right there with her attorney and shot him 9-10 times. She’s taken seven grandchildren’s grandfather away from them. He has a daughter and a son.’
Addressing the previous shooting, Peterson said: ‘She lost her eye. She claimed he tried to kill her. James Ray said it was self-defense.’
James’s brother-in-law Wordie Carroll said three courthouse employees rushed outside to help him.
The woman had filed for divorce on December 27, 2023, after James Saucier (pictured) allegedly shot his wife in the eye on September 1, 2023
‘They held him until the end,’ Carroll said. ‘Comforting him, keeping him quiet and comfortable.’
Tanya is listed as an inmate at the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center on murder charges. It is unknown when her next court appearance will be.
