A heartbreaking and chilling case from Toledo, Ohio, has resulted in the conviction of two men, Paris James and Jerry Scott, for the murder of Tameisha Price, a 34-year-old pregnant woman, and her unborn child.
The tragic events unfolded on January 24, 2024, when James, who was the father of Price’s child, planned and carried out the murder with the help of Scott.
The case has left the community in shock, especially as it reveals the disturbing lengths James went to, including denying paternity and pressuring Price to have an abortion before ultimately taking her life.
The Murder and Planning
Tameisha Price was eight months pregnant and just weeks away from giving birth to a baby girl, who was to be named Malaysia. James, who had been in a relationship with Price, disputed his paternity of the child and repeatedly pushed her to terminate the pregnancy.
Text messages introduced in court revealed that James had not only denied being the father but also pressured Price to have an abortion. James’ frustration over the pregnancy seemed to escalate, culminating in a sinister plan to end her life.
James initially attempted to hire another man to kill Price, but when that plan fell through, he turned to his accomplice, Jerry Scott, to carry out the murder. On January 24, 2024, the two men arrived at Price’s home on Norton Place in Toledo, where they brutally murdered her and the unborn child.
The Aftermath and Evidence
After killing Price and the baby, the men tried to dispose of the gun by throwing it into a marsh. However, the gun was later recovered by a park ranger during a search, linking the weapon to the crime.
Cellphone data played a crucial role in the investigation, providing evidence of the men’s movements before, during, and after the murder. Prosecutors detailed how James’ text messages to Price reflected his denial of paternity, his threats, and his manipulative behavior leading up to the killing.
James’ girlfriend, Shatwiya Triplett, who was also pregnant at the time of the murders, is facing obstruction charges for allegedly lying to investigators. She falsely told authorities that James had been with her at the time of Price’s murder. Triplett’s case is still ongoing.
The Victim’s Legacy
Tameisha Price left behind two sons, aged 16 and 13, who have had to cope with the tragic loss of their mother. Friends and family have described her as a loving, caring, and giving individual who had a profound impact on those around her.
A GoFundMe page set up in her memory highlights her strong faith and loving nature. “Tameisha was a loving, caring and giving daughter, sister, mother, and friend,” the page reads. “She was an amazing soul whose love profoundly impacted the lives she came in contact with.”
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Paris James and Jerry Scott were convicted of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, and tampering with evidence. The verdict came after a thorough investigation that required careful consideration of detailed cellphone data and other evidence.
The two men face a sentencing date of July 28, where they could each receive life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates expressed hope that the verdict would bring some measure of peace to Price’s family, stating, “We hope this verdict brings a measure of peace to the families of Tameisha and Malaysia, and I hope their memories forever live in their hearts.”
The murder of Tameisha Price and her unborn daughter, Malaysia, is a tragic reminder of the dangers of manipulation, denial, and violence.
Paris James and Jerry Scott’s actions, fueled by James’ refusal to take responsibility for the pregnancy and his escalating anger, led to the senseless deaths of an innocent woman and her child. As the legal process continues, the hope is that justice will be served, and Tameisha’s legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire those who knew her.
