Sandra Goodwin’s final hours unfolded quietly in her Meridian home, a place that had once been filled with laughter, family gatherings, and the warmth of her love as a 78-year-old grandmother.
Neighbors say she was a kind woman who always had time for a friendly chat, someone who took pride in her garden and loved nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren.
But on Friday evening, that peace was shattered when a gunshot echoed near Manning Street and 46th Avenue, marking the beginning of a tragedy that has shaken the community to its core.
At around 5 p.m., emergency dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a shooting in the neighborhood.
Within minutes, Meridian police officers, firefighters, and paramedics converged on the scene.
They found Sandra Goodwin suffering from a severe gunshot wound.
First responders worked desperately to stabilize her, performing lifesaving measures as they rushed her to a nearby hospital. For several tense hours, doctors fought to save her life.
Despite their best efforts, Goodwin succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a family and a city struggling to comprehend the loss.
The most shocking development came soon after the shooting.
As officers were still processing the scene, a young man entered the Meridian Police Department building on 22nd Avenue. He calmly told the desk officer that he was responsible for the shooting and that the victim was his own grandmother.
Police say the suspect’s confession was immediate and detailed, leaving little doubt about what had occurred. He was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators have not yet released details about a possible motive, but they have confirmed the deep family connection between the victim and the suspect.
That revelation has turned an already devastating act of violence into something even more heartbreaking.
Friends and neighbors describe the Goodwin family as close-knit and caring, making the alleged crime all the more difficult to grasp.
Meridian Police Chief and local officials have expressed condolences to the family while acknowledging the emotional toll the case has taken on everyone involved, including first responders.
“This is one of those tragedies that touches every part of our community,” one official said. “It’s not just a crime scene it’s a family home, and a reminder of how fragile life can be.”
As investigators continue to piece together what led to the fatal encounter, the community of Meridian is left mourning a woman remembered for her generosity and gentle spirit.
A small memorial of flowers and candles now marks the front yard of her home, where neighbors have gathered to share memories and offer prayers.
Sandra Goodwin’s death has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who knew her.
For the people of Meridian, it stands as a heartbreaking reminder that even in the most loving families, unimaginable tragedy can strike without warning changing lives forever.
