Alicia Williams, 50, was found dead at her Fairland-area home near East Highway 60 on the evening of Wednesday, September 2, 2020. Investigators located her in a recliner with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. She worked as a surgical tech in the OB department at Mercy Hospital Joplin and was described as a wife and mother who often worked nights so she could be with her children during the day.

Ottawa County deputies requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. A 12-year-old female relative who reported the incident was taken into custody and treated as a suspect, though investigators said the shooting may have been accidental. Alicia’s husband was questioned and released. The community mourned her sudden death and the investigation remained active.

If anyone knew Alicia or has information about what happened that evening, please share what you know.