Maleah Bess: 24-Year-Old Apartment Manager Killed in Mississippi; Husband Charged

Grief and shock gripped the Jackson community after 24-year-old Maleah Bess was allegedly shot and killed by her husband, Ron Allen, at her workplace, Westwood Apartments. Friends and loved ones are struggling to cope with the loss.

Maniesha Simmons, a close friend, said Bess had moved out of the home she shared with Allen due to safety concerns.

"She didn’t want to leave him, but she had to for her safety," Simmons said, noting that Allen had been harassing Bess at her job in the days before the shooting.

Bess’ roommate, who saw Allen the day before the incident, said he seemed unalarming while discussing their relationship. "He was at my house, on my couch. There was nothing alarming," she said.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade reported that Bess was likely already deceased before Allen barricaded himself in the building, though officers couldn’t confirm her condition during the active scene.

“She worked here, and he came and took her life,” Wade said. “Some people don’t know how to handle emotions or someone moving on.”

Friends described Bess as a mature, career-driven woman who cared deeply for others. Simmons urged those in similar situations to take threats seriously: “Even if you doubt they’d harm you, if they threaten you once, take it seriously.”

Allen faces multiple charges and is being held in county jail.

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If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or practicing self-harm, contact the the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time. Online live chat is also available. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, for assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.