Authorities in Elmwood are investigating a tragic murder-suicide that left a 28-year-old mother of two dead and her former spouse also deceased following a violent incident that unfolded Thursday morning at an apartment complex and nearby shopping area.
According to investigators, Meridian Woodson was shot and killed inside her apartment at the Palmetto Creek complex located in the 5100 block of Citrus Boulevard. Officials said the suspect was her former spouse, 30-year-old Kody Woodson of Westwego.
Deputies responded to the residence shortly after 10 a.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a disturbance. When officers arrived, they found Meridian Woodson suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that Meridian Woodson was the mother of two young girls, ages 4 and 7, who are now left without both parents following the tragic events.
Following the shooting, investigators located the suspect’s silver extended-cab GMC pickup truck parked at a nearby shopping center at 5151 Citrus Boulevard. The vehicle was found with its doors open, and evidence at the scene indicated that the suspect had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the parking lot.
He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Officials have not publicly identified a clear motive, and the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the shooting. Law enforcement agencies are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with friends and residents expressing shock and sorrow over the loss of two lives in such violent circumstances. Messages of support and condolences have been shared widely as the community comes to terms with the impact on the couple’s young children.
Elmwood, an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish located near New Orleans, is now grappling with the emotional aftermath of the incident as authorities continue their work.
Investigators have urged patience as the case develops and emphasized that no additional threat to the public exists. Further updates are expected as more details become available.