By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-03 19:34:34 | Updated at 2026-06-07 15:35:24
3 days ago
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 May 28 in Elmwood, New Orleans when her former husband Kody Woodson, 30, opened fire before turning the gun on himself, police said.
Deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said 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 hospital, and he died the next day.
Reports say the couple were in the midst of a divorce at the time, however authorities did not give details over what led up to the horror shooting.
Tributes poured in for Meridian as a devoted mother of two young daughters.
'Meridian was a light in everyone's life,' her friend Rita Rando said in a GoFundMe set up for her daughters, aged four and seven.
'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.'
Meridian Thomas Woodson, 28, was killed May 28 in Elmwood, New Orleans when her former husband Kody Woodson, 30, opened fire before turning the gun on himself, police said
The couple were in the midst of a contentious divorce at the time
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said the tragedy was discovered after deputies were called to the couple's apartment to investigate a 'disturbance.'
After Meridian's body was found inside the apartment, the sheriff's office said deputies 'searched the surrounding area, they located the suspect vehicle in the parking lot of a nearby business.'
'The male inside was suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.'
Local outlet WDSU cited court records that alleged the couple had a turbulent relationship, including allegations of domestic violence and custody battles over their two young daughters.
The reported records showed both parents lodged allegations of abuse against each other, and both petitioned courts to make the other attend domestic violence intervention classes.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at988lifeline.org.
