Suspected Shooter Arrested in Tragic Mother-Son Homicide Case
In a swift turn of events, authorities have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for the tragic shooting deaths of a woman and her 8-year-old son. The arrest took place about 45 miles east of the crime scene, where the gruesome incident unfolded.
Lauderdale County sheriff’s deputies successfully captured the suspect, identified as James Salento Fulgham Jr., only a day after discovering the lifeless bodies in Scott County. The victims, confirmed by Coroner J. Van Thames, were Zina Williams, a woman in her 40s, and her young son, Zacchesus Williams.
Lauderdale County investigators, relentless in their pursuit of justice, tracked down a vehicle linked to the homicides. This vehicle was located in a wooded area near the suspect’s former residence. Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun, III, explained that investigators took measured steps, preparing a search warrant for a residence as part of their diligent efforts. However, during this process, something unexpected occurred. The suspect was spotted in a vehicle that came to a halt near another house across the road, where law enforcement promptly took Fulgham into custody without any incident.
As of now, the status of Fulgham’s legal representation remains unknown. Authorities have reported that Scott County investigators have taken over the case, although the exact charges against the suspect are not immediately available.
The grim discovery was made when the Scott County Sheriff’s Office responded to a house fire in Forest. Tragically, it became evident that the victims had been shot and their home intentionally set ablaze. Coroner Thames shared the emotional impact this incident has had on the close-knit community, stating, “This is a small neighborhood. Everybody knows everybody. It doesn’t just affect the family; it affects the friends of the family, school teacher — this is an 8-year-old child. From the information that we have, a very joyful little guy. It’s a sad occasion.”
Investigators suspect that a heated argument between Zina Williams and Fulgham, who authorities identify as her boyfriend, led to the fateful shooting and subsequent fire.