Melinda Michelle Hester, 52, was found dead at her Saucier, Mississippi, home on August 27, 2021. She died of a gunshot wound; deputies located her body in the utility room of the house.

Authorities traced the killing quickly to her boyfriend, Jeremy Charles Childress. Childress drove to his mother’s home in Neshoba County visibly distressed, was found armed and threatening suicide, and confessed to deputies that he had shot Hester in the head and told them where her body was. Harrison County deputies entered the Saucier residence and found the scene as described.

Childress was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Family described Hester as a caring mother and grandmother who was loved beyond measure. If anyone knew Melinda, her routines, or has information about the days leading up to August 27, 2021, please come forward.