A beloved Louisiana mother of two was killed in an apparent murder-suicide after her ex-husband allegedly shot her in their apartment. Meridian Thomas Woodson, 28, was killed on May 28 in Elmwood, New Orleans, when her former husband Kody Woodson, 30, opened fire before turning the gun on himself, according to police.
Details of the Incident
Deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office reported that they found Kody in his vehicle with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a nearby parking lot. The husband survived the initial gunshot and was transported to a hospital, where he died the following day. Authorities have not disclosed details about what led to the shooting, but reports indicate the couple was in the midst of a divorce at the time.
Tributes to Meridian
Tributes poured in for Meridian, described as a devoted mother to her two young daughters, aged four and seven. Her friend Rita Rando said in a GoFundMe campaign set up for the children: 'Meridian was a light in everyone's life. Meridian's kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith in God touched everyone she met. She was always there to care for her family and those around her, offering support, encouragement, and love.'
Investigation and Background
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office stated that the tragedy was discovered after deputies responded to a call about a 'disturbance' at the couple's apartment. After finding Meridian's body inside, they searched the surrounding area and located the suspect vehicle in a nearby business parking lot. 'The male inside was suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,' the sheriff's office said.
Local outlet WDSU cited court records alleging the couple had a turbulent relationship, including domestic violence allegations and custody battles over their two young daughters. The records reportedly showed both parents had lodged abuse allegations against each other and had petitioned courts to require the other to attend domestic violence intervention classes.
