TUPELO, MS – Authorities in Tupelo apprehended a man following a shocking incident where his mother was found dead, allegedly beaten with a shovel and placed in a trash can. Officers from the Tupelo Police Department discovered the gruesome scene on April 29 during a welfare check at the Villages subdivision.
The victim, 62-year-old Sherri West Lazore, was identified as the deceased, with her 30-year-old son, Joshua D. Lazore, charged with first-degree murder. Initial police interaction revealed a chilling admission from Lazore, who reportedly led officers to the backyard where his mother’s body was concealed.
Details unfolded during a bond hearing on April 30, where testimony revealed that, aside from blunt force trauma, Sherri Lazore also suffered multiple stab wounds to her head and neck. Despite the harrowing nature of the crime, the accused appeared to show a willingness to accept his actions.
During the courtroom proceedings, Lazore expressed a desire to forego legal representation and proceed directly to pleading guilty.
However, Judge Willie Allen maintained the focus of the session was to determine bond, deferring any plea considerations to a future date. Subsequently, Lazore was denied bond and remains in custody at the Lee County Jail.
Revelations about Joshua Lazore’s previous encounters with law enforcement paint a troubling picture. Earlier, he had been arrested for vandalizing the Lee County Sheriff’s Office lobby, a result of multiple attempts to get himself taken into custody without an active warrant, culminating in a fit of destruction.
As for Sherri Lazore, she left a lasting legacy in the Tupelo community, having dedicated nearly three decades to the Tupelo Public School District before her retirement in 2012. Her contribution to education was characterized by deep admiration from students and colleagues alike, marking her passing as a significant loss to the community.
The investigation continues as the local community grapples with the tragedy and its impact, seeking justice for a beloved educator whose life was cut short.