Christina Laureen Willis, 27, of Batesville, Mississippi.
On June 20, 2025, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious package discovered on a vehicle in the southwest portion of Lafayette County. The package was removed by the victim and secured by deputies for further investigation.
On June 23, 20225, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Tupelo Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Upon examination, the bomb technicians confirmed the package contained a live, homemade explosive device, which was rendered safe in a secure area.
A joint investigation was launched by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the ATF. Over the following weeks, investigators executed mulitple search warrants and issued Grand Jury subpoenas in pursuit of physical, digital, and forensic evidence. As a result of this investigtation, a suspect was identified as Christina Laureen Willis, 27, of Batesville, Mississippi.
On August 4, 2025, a federal search warrant was executed at a residence on Highway 35 South in Panola County. The operation was carried out with the assistance of the ATF, Panola County Sheriff’s Office, Tupelo Bomb Squad, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. During the search, investigators located evidence of bomb-making materials, homemade high explosive substances, firearms, and narcotics. Another explosive device was found inside the residence and was rendered safe on scene by bomb technicians.
As a results of the investigation, Christina Laureen Willis has been charged by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office with the following:
- Attempted Murder
- Bomb or Explosive, or Weapon of Mass Destruction, Planting, or Placement
In addition, the ATF is presenting the case to a Federal Grand Jury and Willis is expected to face multiple federal charges stemming from the investigation.
Willis is currently being held at the Panola County Jail, with a hold placed on her by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office. She will be transported to the Lafayette County Detention Center at a later date.
Sheriff Joey East Extends Gratitude for Collaborative Efforts
Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East expressed his sincere appreciation for the combined efforts that contributed to the recent investigation.
“I am very proud of the way all our local, state, and federal agencies worked together during this investigation. With the support from all of the agencies involved, we were able to conduct a safe and professional investigation.”
Sheriff East emphasized that the success of the operation was a direct result of the cooperation and professionalism shown by all parties involved.
Due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of this investigation, no further information will be released at this time.
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