16 Homicides in 2025: Meridian by the Numbers

As 2025 comes to a close, we look back at a year marked by violence, loss, and ongoing questions about public safety in Meridian.

the first gunshot victim of the year was not reported until January 22, 2025, on Walker Spur Road. That incident was ruled a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Later that same day, around 5:00 p.m., Meridian recorded its first homicide of the year on 47th Avenue.
January ended with four reported shootings and one homicide.

By year’s end, 2025 became Meridian’s deadliest year for homicides since 2021, the year the Smith Administration took office. A total of 17 homicides were reported within the city limits.

Deadliest Month: June

The most violent month of the year was June, with three homicides and more than a dozen people shot across the city. One incident stands out above the rest. On June 21, at approximately 11:30 a.m., 21-year-old Anthony McDonald was shot and killed in the parking lot of Burger King on North Frontage Road, one of the busiest areas in Meridian.
rends After the Election

Since the June election, homicides have declined under the Bland Administration.

According to Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun, there were no homicides in Lauderdale County in 2025.

Countywide Deaths

Lauderdale County Coroner Stella McMahan worked with many grieving families this year. The county recorded a total of 1,035 deaths from all causes in 2025.

Homicides in Meridian by Year:

2020: 15

2021: 17

2022: 13

2023: 12

2024: 12

2025: 16

Parole and Public Safety Concerns

Mississippi prisons, like many across the nation, remain overcrowded. Several homicide suspects arrested in 2025 were reportedly on parole or possibly under electronic monitoring at the time of their alleged crimes.

One case that deeply affected the community was the murder of Sandra Goodwin, a grandmother killed on October 24 on Manning Street. Jacarus Deshawn Goodwin was arrested and charged in her death.

While in custody, Goodwin allegedly attacked another inmate, who was transported to Jackson for medical treatment and later died from his injuries.

A similar situation occurred in April 2024, when the Herringtons were killed on 36th Avenue, allegedly by an individual who was also on parole.

Looking Ahead

There are no easy answers when it comes to parole decisions, accountability, or prevention. But the numbers from 2025 suggest one thing clearly: the system deserves a closer review.

Behind every statistic is a family forever changed.

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