In what began as a response to a house fire, the tragic deaths of 7-year-old Zacchaeus Williams and his 36-year-old mother, Zina Williams, were discovered. Firefighters who arrived at the scene of the blaze at 548 Wash Drive in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, on October 9, 2023, found their bodies inside the burning home. It was determined that both mother and son had been shot. The young male child was reportedly shot at least three times.
Investigators quickly identified James Fulgham, who was in a relationship with Zina Williams, as a suspect in the double homicide and arson. According to the Scott County Sheriff, it is believed that an argument between Fulgham and Zina Williams may have escalated to the shooting. It is thought that the child, Zacchaeus, may have been shot after hearing the initial gunshot, becoming scared, and crying out. Neighbors later reported to investigators that they heard a brief altercation followed by what they believed to be gunshots, and then saw Fulgham leaving the residence alone.
Law enforcement utilized technology to track a vehicle connected to the homicides, which was found in a wooded area near the suspect's home. Investigators then prepared to execute a search warrant at a residence on King Road. Before they could approach the house, Fulgham was seen in a vehicle on the same road. He stopped at another nearby residence and was taken into custody without incident on October 10, 2023. Fulgham has since been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of arson, with the possibility of additional charges being filed.
