Mom of Two Killed in Murder-Suicide

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​A years-long domestic dispute culminated in unspeakable tragedy on Thursday when a 28-year-old Elmwood beautician was fatally shot by her ex-husband, who then turned the gun on himself.

​Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies discovered the body of Meridian Thomas Woodson inside her apartment after responding to reports of a disturbance. Shortly after the grim discovery, authorities located the suspect’s vehicle in a nearby parking lot. Inside, they found her ex-husband, 30-year-old Kody Woodson, suffering from a critical, self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

​A History of Escalating Violence

​The devastating incident occurred just weeks before the former couple was scheduled to appear in court on June 18 for a high-stakes custody hearing involving their two young daughters, ages 4 and 7. Court records paint a volatile picture of a marriage defined by allegations of severe domestic abuse and legal retaliation.

​In her initial divorce petition filed in early 2024, Meridian Woodson detailed a pattern of terror. She alleged that after she requested a divorce in January 2024, Kody physically assaulted her. Weeks later, she claimed he flew into a “jealous rage,” snatching her phone and throwing her to the ground.

​Perhaps the most chilling foreshadowing came from a separate incident documented in court filings, where Meridian recounted hearing “the distinctive sound of a gun being cocked” before finding Kody armed inside their residence. According to her statements, Kody frequently deflected blame for the abuse, allegedly telling her during one dispute, “You’re making me hurt you, you always make me hurt you.”​Mutual Accusations in Court​Kody Woodson fiercely denied the allegations in his own counterclaims, attempting to paint his ex-wife as the aggressor. In court documents, he accused Meridian of a history of physical violence, including biting, scratching, and choking.​He specifically highlighted a February 2024 incident where Meridian was arrested following a domestic dispute that unfolded in front of their children. In response, Meridian maintained that she was acting strictly in self-defense and argued that the evidence presented to the police had been heavily manipulated and stripped of context.​A Community Mourns​As the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, loved ones are left to pick up the pieces for the two young children left behind.​An online fundraiser established to support the family remembers Meridian as a deeply devoted mother and family member. “Meridian was a light in everyone’s life,” the tribute reads, noting that as one of 24 children, she acted as a “second mom” to many of her 23 siblings long before raising her own daughters.