Picayune, Mississippi – In a heartbreaking incident, 61-year-old Helena Malone and her 79-year-old mother, Helen Plaisance, have been declared dead after an apparent murder-suicide outside Highland Community Hospital on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Law enforcement officers responded to a distress call at approximately 2:53 p.m., when Malone reported shooting her mother in a parked car near the hospital’s emergency room entrance.
As officers arrived, Helena Malone tragically turned the gun on herself, leading to a fatal outcome.
Both women were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead shortly after.
The Pearl River County Coroner, Derek Turnage, suggested that Helena Malone’s actions may have been influenced by severe medical issues.
Malone had been suffering from an untreated malignant brain tumor, which had reportedly worsened her cognitive abilities since June, likely contributing to the tragic event.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating occurrence, while hospital staff and law enforcement continue to offer support to the impacted family and the first responders involved.
The community remains in shock as they come to terms with the enormity of this tragedy, sending their condolences and prayers for those affected.
Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.