JACKSON, Mississippi – Two suspects, one a teenager, faced a judge on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the tragic death of an 80-year-old woman. The incident occurred late Monday night at a residence on Nichols Boulevard in Jackson, where Annie Peoples was shot while asleep on her couch. The suspects, identified as 16-year-old Alex Bush and 20-year-old Ramon Thompson, were taken into custody following the issuance of warrants on Wednesday. Both individuals are facing charges of murder and drive-by shooting, with a bond set at $1 million for the murder charge and $500,000 for the drive-by shooting charge by Municipal Judge Taurean Buchanan.
According to police reports, the suspects approached Peoples’ home in a dark vehicle and opened fire into the house, resulting in Peoples’ fatal injuries. Although it is believed that the gunmen were targeting someone else at the residence, Peoples became an unintended victim of the shooting. Relatives have revealed that one of Peoples’ sons was present during the shooting and discovered his mother after hearing the gunshots.
During the court hearing, detectives testified that Thompson had confessed to a relative about his involvement in the shooting, referring to it as “shooting up an old lady’s home.” A public defender representing Thompson disclosed his academic aspirations to attend Jackson State University for American Sign Language studies, emphasizing his lack of prior criminal record. The aftermath of the shooting revealed at least eight bullet holes in various parts of the house, underscoring the violent nature of the incident.
Peoples’ family described her as a beloved matriarch with five sons, three daughters, and numerous grandchildren, highlighting the devastating impact of her untimely death on her loved ones. The tragic loss of Peoples has shaken the community and raised concerns about the prevalence of gun violence and its repercussions. As the legal proceedings move forward, the case underscores the need for justice and accountability in addressing such senseless acts of violence that claim innocent lives. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Peoples’ death continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading to the fatal shooting.