Louisiana Beautician, 28, Allegedly Killed by Ex-Husband Amid Custody Battle

Meridian Thomas Woodson, a young mother of two, was shot dead in a suspected murder-suicide amid an ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband.

Meridian, 28, was found dead inside her Elmwood, Louisiana, apartment on May 28. After searching the area, investigators found the “suspect vehicle” in the parking lot of a local Hobby Lobby, Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said.

“Inside was the male suspect. He is also suffering from what appears to be a gunshot wound, self-inflicted,” Lopinto added.

The male suspect and Meridian’s ex-husband, Kody Woodson, was in critical condition when officers arrived and was rushed to the hospital. He later died of his injuries.

The former couple — who share two children, Paisley, 4, and Lileigh, 7 — were in the midst of a nasty custody battle over the kids dating back to 2024. In addition to the fight over custody, Meridian accused Kody, 30, of abuse in her January 2024 divorce filing, according to WDSU.

“Meridian claimed that in January 2024, after she told Kody she wanted a divorce, he became upset, and they fought at her apartment,” the outlet reported.

In the months that followed, more abuse allegations were filed.

During one argument, Kody allegedly told Meridian, “You’re making me hurt you, you always make me hurt you.”

Kody later filed a counterclaim, accusing Meridian of violent behavior, including “choking, slapping, scratching, biting,” per WDSU.

Both parents were seeking sole custody of the children, with their hearing scheduled for June 18.