POPLARVILLE, MS – A Mississippi woman accused of fatally shooting her ex-husband just minutes after their divorce was finalized has been denied bond and will remain in jail pending trial.
Tanya Saucier, 49, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of James Ray Saucier, 62, who was killed outside the Pearl River County Courthouse on December 17, 2024. The shooting occurred moments after the couple’s divorce became official, authorities said. Witnesses included both parties’ attorneys and bystanders present at the courthouse.
A judge on Tuesday denied Saucier’s request for bond, determining that she posed both a flight risk and an ongoing threat to the community. She has since been transferred to the Lamar County Jail, where she will remain held until her court date.
Court documents and law enforcement officials indicated that the relationship between Tanya and James Ray Saucier had become increasingly hostile in the months leading up to the shooting. Due to the volatility of their interactions, the court had previously taken steps to keep the couple’s appearances at the courthouse separate, in an attempt to avoid potential confrontations.
Despite these precautions, both parties appeared at the courthouse on the morning of December 17. Tanya Saucier and her attorney arrived shortly after 10 a.m., according to investigators. James Ray Saucier and his lawyer arrived an hour later. The proceeding itself was not scheduled, authorities said, but the two parties ended up present at the courthouse on the same day.
According to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, James Ray Saucier had just exited the building at midday when Tanya Saucier allegedly confronted him with a 9 mm handgun. Multiple shots were fired, striking her ex-husband in front of witnesses, including legal representatives and other individuals conducting business at the courthouse.
Mississippi authorities responded swiftly, detaining Tanya Saucier at the scene without further incident. She was taken into custody and subsequently charged with murder.
The incident drew attention to concerns over security at courthouses in Mississippi. Legal professionals present at the time of the shooting expressed alarm about the ease with which a firearm was brought onto courthouse grounds, highlighting a statewide issue with courthouse security.
No additional injuries were reported during the ordeal. The investigation into the circumstances leading to the shooting remains active, with law enforcement reviewing witness statements, surveillance footage, and court records.
Tanya Saucier’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. She will remain in custody at the Lamar County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings.