A Mississippi woman who allegedly shot her boyfriend to death, fled the scene in his car, and then called a local newspaper before surrendering to police, officials said.
Aziza Young, 35, turned herself in to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office on Monday after contacting the Natchez Democrat newspaper. She told the paper she was afraid of what might happen when she turned herself in.
The Jackson Police Department had issued a warrant for Young’s arrest in the killing of her boyfriend, 45-year-old Adrione Triggs, as well as for allegedly stealing his car.
During a Monday press conference aired by WLBT, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade described the incident as a “domestic situation” and said investigators believed the shooting was premeditated.
Young told the Natchez Democrat she acted in self-defense and claimed Triggs had threatened to kill her.
But Chief Wade disputed that account, citing witness statements.
“Based on our investigation, she was not defending herself. Based on witness accounts, who witnessed the situation, she was not defending herself,” Wade said.
He added that Young allegedly tried to move the body after the shooting.
“She did drag the body. She attempted to move the body. That’s based on witness accounts,” Wade said.
“If you’re defending yourself after you took his life, call us. Call someone. Don’t try to drag the body and move the body somewhere to fit some narrative you’re trying to put together.”
Woman called the media before turning herself in
After Young contacted the Natchez Democrat, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip revealing that she was in Natchez and wanted to surrender. Sheriff Travis Patten verified the warrants with Chief Wade, then deputies and Natchez police officers went to the location where Young waited with the media present.
“We were able to take her into custody without any incident. She didn’t resist or fight or do anything. She was just scared,” Patten told the Democrat.
“She was standing there trembling because she didn’t know how it was going to go.”
On Wednesday, Young appeared in court for a bond hearing. According to local ABC affiliate WAPT, a police officer who worked the scene testified that witnesses saw Young and Triggs arrive together and begin arguing.
At some point, witnesses said Young walked out to Triggs’ car, put on a blue surgical glove, and retrieved a gun. She then hid by the side of the house and waited for Triggs to come outside. When he did, she allegedly shot him in the back.
The officer testified that a struggle over the gun followed, and Young allegedly shot Triggs multiple times before fleeing in his vehicle.
Young’s attorney argued in court that she acted in self-defense.
The court set her bond at $1,025,000 — $1 million for the murder charge and $25,000 for the car theft. She will be returned to Jackson to face formal charges.