NATCHEZ, MS – A woman accused of shooting her boyfriend and fleeing the scene in his vehicle surrendered to authorities, but not before alerting a local newspaper.
Aziza Young, 35, turned herself in to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, with a journalist from the Natchez Democrat present. Young reportedly contacted the paper first because she was concerned about the potential consequences of her arrest.
Authorities had been searching for Young under a warrant issued by the Jackson Police Department. She is accused of killing her boyfriend, 45-year-old Adrione Triggs, and stealing his car.
Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade described the incident as stemming from a domestic altercation, labeling the shooting “calculated.” Young, however, claimed to the Natchez Democrat that she acted in self-defense after being threatened.
Despite her claims, witnesses told investigators otherwise. “Based on witness accounts, she was not defending herself,” Wade stated. He also noted that Young allegedly attempted to move Triggs’ body.
Before Young’s arrest, Chief Wade had publicly urged her to provide her account to police. He emphasized the importance of contacting authorities instead of altering evidence.
An anonymous tip about Young’s presence in Natchez prompted local law enforcement to act. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Natchez police subsequently apprehended Young without incident. Sheriff Travis Patten remarked on her cooperation, noting she appeared scared.
In a court hearing on Wednesday, further details emerged. A police officer testified that witnesses observed Young donning a surgical glove and reportedly grabbing a gun from Triggs’ car before lying in wait. She allegedly shot Triggs in the back as he exited a house, and during a subsequent struggle, fired additional shots.
Young’s attorney insisted her actions were in self-defense. Despite this, her bond was set at $1,025,000, encompassing both the murder and theft charges. She is expected to be transferred back to Jackson to face these charges.