BREAKING: Two individuals have been charged with murder in separate weekend homicides in Meridian, leading to a tragic loss of life and increasing concerns within the community. Meridian Police Chief Malachi Sanders confirmed the shocking details during a press conference on October 27, 2025, emphasizing that both victims and suspects were known to each other, with no immediate threat to the public.
At around 5 p.m. Friday, Jacarus Goodwin, aged 31, turned himself in to the police, admitting he had fatally shot his grandmother, Sandra Goodwin. Officers conducted a wellness check and found her injured, but despite life-saving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival at Anderson’s Hospital. Goodwin now faces charges of murder and felony possession of a firearm, as he was on parole for a previous conviction at the time of the incident.
In a separate incident on Saturday at approximately 9:50 a.m., police responded to a shooting report on 11th Avenue and discovered Tashonda Reed, 19, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was initially taken to Anderson’s Hospital before being airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries. The suspected shooter, Jaelin Price, a former partner of Reed, was arrested and charged with murder, felony possession of a firearm, and shooting into an occupied dwelling. Price was also on probation at the time.
Chief Sanders praised the swift response of law enforcement, stating that Price was apprehended within three hours of the shooting. He expressed gratitude towards the community for their cooperation and emphasized the importance of transparency in building trust.
Mayor Percy Bland called the recent homicides unfortunate, marking the first deaths under his administration which began on July 1. He urged residents to report any signs of escalating violence and reminded them of local support services available for victims of domestic violence, including organizations like Care Lodge and Wesley House.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of Meridian residents. The police department is urging anyone with information to come forward, reinforcing the message that community involvement is crucial in preventing such tragedies in the future.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
