In the quiet community of Meridian, Mississippi, a devastating tragedy unfolded, leaving a family and the town in mourning. Evelyn Virginia Jay, a 90-year-old female, was killed on December 22, 2020, in a horrific quadruple homicide that also claimed the lives of three other family members. The other victims were identified as 64-year-old Beverly Kaiser Fulton, 39-year-old April Fulton Tucker, and 14-year-old Bryce Fisher Tucker.
The perpetrator was identified by authorities as Matthew
Jay Tucker, Evelyn's 40-year-old grandson. The killings took place sometime between the evening of December 21 and the morning of December 22, 2020. Investigators believe Matthew Tucker killed his grandmother, his wife, his son, and his mother-in-law. While the specific details of how the victims were killed have not been publicly disclosed, the event sent shockwaves through Lauderdale County.
Following the discovery of the victims, Matthew Tucker became the primary suspect. His attempt to evade law enforcement ended tragically when he died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police chase. It was later revealed that Tucker had been arrested for simple assault-domestic violence in late October 2020 and had been out on bond at the time of the murders.
Due to the death of the suspect, there were no subsequent legal proceedings or a trial. The investigation concluded with Matthew Tucker identified as the sole perpetrator. The community was left to grapple with the immense loss, with local churches holding prayer services for the grieving families.
