A burst of gunfire shattered a Tuesday morning in Meridian, Mississippi, leaving two people dead and a community in shock. On October 20, 2026, around 9:40 a.m., police received calls reporting shots fired at the St. Francis Apartments in the 2400 block of Fourth Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a tragic tableau. Shedrick McAlister, a 49-year-old man, and Sh’Quiya Carpenter, a 22-year-old woman, were found deceased inside an apartment.
A third victim was
discovered at the scene, critically injured from the shooting. Emergency medical services provided immediate aid and transported the individual to a local hospital. Due to the severity of their injuries, the victim was later airlifted to a specialized trauma center in Jackson for advanced medical treatment. The condition of this third person has not been publicly updated. Initial reports suggested that responding officers may have come under fire as they arrived, highlighting the chaotic and dangerous nature of the scene they encountered.
The Meridian Police Department launched an immediate and intensive investigation into the double homicide. Detectives and officers worked quickly to secure the area, collect evidence, and identify those responsible. Their efforts led to a swift arrest in the case. Just days later, police announced they had taken 28-year-old Tommy Lard into custody in connection with the deadly shooting. The department did not release details about what led them to Lard or the circumstances of his arrest.
Prosecutors formally charged Lard with a slate of serious felonies: two counts of murder for the deaths of Shedrick McAlister and Sh’Quiya Carpenter, one count of attempted murder for the third injured victim, shooting into a dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This last charge indicates that Lard had a prior felony conviction that legally barred him from owning or carrying a gun. Police have not commented on a possible motive for the shooting or the relationship between Lard and the victims.
In the wake of the arrest, Meridian’s Assistant Police Chief Dareall Thompson acknowledged the tragedy's impact on the city. He praised the rapid response of his officers and investigators, stating, “This arrest reflects our commitment to holding individuals accountable for violent crime in Meridian.” Thompson also extended his sympathies to the families of the victims. “Two lives have been lost, another person is fighting for their life, and families are hurting," he said. "Our hearts and prayers are with them. We will continue working to see that justice is served.”
As of late October 2026, the investigation into the deaths of Shedrick McAlister and Sh’Quiya Carpenter was still considered active and ongoing by the Meridian Police Department. Tommy Lard is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. No information has been released about community vigils or memorials for the victims. The case is expected to proceed through the Lauderdale County court system.
