Man kills his wife in parking lot and then himself

News Briefs From Across The State

Husband upset about their separation

Police in Ridgeland are investigating a murder-suicide that occurred in a parking lot on Friday, Jan. 28. Authorities said the man, Billy Williard, of Pearl, went to talk with his wife, Stefanie Williard, in the parking lot of Exam One at 996 Northpark Drive.

WLBT reported that the woman was the officer manger of Exam One and when she went outside to talk to her estranged husband, he shot her three times in the chest. Police said Williard then turned the gun on himself.

The woman was taken to University of Mississippi Medical Center where she reportedly died.

Police said the couple had separated in December and Willard was reportedly distressed about the separation. WLBT said Willard left a will-type note in his truck expressing sorrow for what he was about to do and a listing of who would receive his personal belongings.

Controlled burn causes 6 car pile up

Authorities in Harrison County said thick and lingering smoke from a controlled ban on Jan. 28 was the cause of an accident that involved a school bus and six other cars. The accident occurred early Friday morning on U.S. Highway 15 just south of Bethel Road.

The driver of the school bus, carrying students from D’Iberville High School, reportedly slowed down due to zero visibility because of the thick smoke. The school bus was then hit from behind followed by a chain-reaction crash involving six vehicles.

There were no serious injuries.

Reportedly, the U.S. Forest Service had posted signs on Highway 15 warning drivers about the fog/smoke and impending poor visibility.

Motorists and parents believe more should have been done.

Man killed in Belmont accident

One person is dead and another seriously injured following a car accident on U.S. Highway 25 in Belmont. Authorities said the driver mistakenly thought the highway was a four-way stop and pulled into the path of a pick up truck.

The pick up struck the car on the passenger side, killing the passenger and seriously injuring the driver. The driver was transported to North Mississippi Medical Center with unknown injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.