‘It’s a shotgun, honey.’ South MS man sentenced for killing wife during 911 call
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Jury convicted Leon Eugene Lambert of first-degree murder; court imposed life.
- Victim Pamela Lambert called 911; husband corrected "It's a shotgun" then fired.
- Prosecutors, sheriff and jury cited evidence and delivered justice for Pamela.
A George County man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife — a killing that happened while she was on the phone with 911 pleading for protection.
Leon “Eugene” Lambert III, 69, of Lucedale, was convicted following a two-day trial in George County Circuit Court.
Authorities said Pamela Lambert called 911 to ask for help after an argument with her husband on Aug. 25, 2023. As she spoke with the dispatcher, Eugene Lambert retrieved a shotgun from their bedroom closet and walked into the dining room, where she was on the call.
When Pamela told the dispatcher her husband was pointing a rifle at her, the operator heard Eugene Lambert correct her, saying, “It’s a shotgun, honey,” before firing three shots that killed her, Assistant District Attorney Carolyn Lewis said.
Lewis, along with Assistant District Attorney Kelsey Hollingsworth and District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, prosecuted the case.
Lewis praised the George County Sheriff’s Department for “doing a great job investigating the case,” and added, “We are grateful that the jury carefully considered the evidence and delivered justice for Pamela.”
George County Sheriff Mitchell Mixon offered condolences to Pamela Lambert’s family, saying his department would continue to pray for them “as they find some measure of peace in today’s outcome.”
“This is why we do this job — to stand for justice, protect victims, and bring closure to those who have suffered unimaginable loss,” Mixon said.
After the shooting, McIlrath said Lambert claimed he “just snapped.”
“The truth is he broke a vow and took a life — the life of a woman who was a mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, and soon-to-be great-grandmother,” McIlrath said. “She survived cancer, but not her husband’s wrath. Justice demanded we call it what it was — murder. The jury received the evidence, followed the law, and held him accountable for this cold-blooded killing. My heart is with all those who love Pamela Lambert. She mattered and is remembered.”
This story was originally published October 31, 2025 at 1:04 PM.
