Background: The Brandon, Miss., neighborhood where Jennifer Sheffield and Brandon Sheffield were found dead (Google Maps). Inset: Jennifer Sheffield (Otis & Lee Funeral Homes).
Following the Christmas holiday, a couple from Mississippi was discovered dead in their residence in a tragic incident believed to be a murder-suicide. It was revealed that Jennifer Sheffield, aged 30, and Brandon Sheffield, aged 40, were in the midst of finalizing their divorce proceedings.
The unsettling discovery occurred on the morning of December 28 when Jennifer’s family undertook a welfare check at their home. Upon entering the residence, Brandon police officers were alerted by the family about the evident presence of suspicious circumstances. Subsequently, the authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, treating it as a case of murder-suicide.
Brandon Police Chief Joseph French told local outlet Darkhorse Press said that when officers responded to the scene at 7:19 a.m., the deceased bodies of the couple were found inside. French stated that it appeared that Brandon Sheffield shot his wife before turning the gun on himself.
In a statement provided to WJTV, a local CBS affiliate, French said the investigation was ongoing and included assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which helped process the scene with the Crime Scene Unit.
Faye Lott, who was friends with Jennifer, shared with WLBT, a local NBC affiliate, that the couple had recently separated and were beginning the process of getting divorced. A reason for their separation was not provided, but Lott told WLBT that she was shocked by Brandon’s alleged actions.
“He’s never been a violent person that I was ever aware of,” she said. “I was with her when they met, and I’ve always loved him for how he loved her. So it’s definitely hard trying to understand something we will never be able to.” She added that he was an “amazing person.”
An obituary for Jennifer mentioned that the couple shared two children. Information on their whereabouts during the time of the apparent murder-suicide of their parents was not made available.
