HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – The Husband woman found dead in her vehicle in Hattiesburg Saturday morning is charged in connection with her death.

According to the Hattiesburg Police Department, 50-year-old Kenrod Cartez Echols of Columbia is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, 36-year-old Zikoya Johnson Echols.

HPD says when officers arrived on scene they found Zikoya unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen as she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police department says Kenrod contacted law enforcement shortly after officers arrived and admitted to being involved in the shooting.

Along with the murder charge, Kenrod faces tampering with evidence and mischief charges. He is currently being held at the Forrest County Jail.

HPD says the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

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