Suspicious packages leads to arrest of Batesville woman

Published 3:19 pm Tuesday, August 5, 2025

A suspicious package discovered in Lafayette County has led to the arrest of a Batesville woman and potential federal charges following a multi-agency investigation involving local, state and federal authorities.

The Panola County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook Monday that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tupelo Bomb Squad “rendered safe” a homemade explosive that was discovered as the result of a search warrant.

“This was done by detonating the device. If you just heard a loud boom, that was it,” the post read.

On Tuesday, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office sent out a press release with more details.

On June 20, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious package found on a vehicle in the southwestern part of the county. The victim removed the package, which was then secured by deputies for further examination.

Three days later, on June 23, the Sheriff’s Office enlisted help from the Tupelo Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Bomb technicians confirmed the package contained a homemade explosive device, which was safely carried to a secure location.

A joint investigation was soon launched by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the ATF. Over several weeks, investigators conducted search warrants and issued subpoenas to collect physical, digital, and forensic evidence.

The suspect was identified as Christina Laureen Willis, 27, of Batesville.

On Monday, federal and local authorities executed a search warrant at a residence on Highway 35 South in Panola County. The operation included support from the ATF, the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, the Tupelo Bomb Squad, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

During the search, investigators found materials for making bombs, illegal substances, firearms and another explosive device. The second device was rendered safe on site by bomb technicians.

Willis was subsequently charged by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office with attempted murder and bomb or explosive or weapon of mass destruction, planting or placement.

The ATF is also presenting the case to a federal grand jury, and Willis is expected to face additional federal charges.

She is currently being held at the Panola County Jail, with a hold placed by Lafayette County authorities. She will be transported to the Lafayette County Detention Center at a later date.

Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East expressed deep gratitude for the collaboration among all involved agencies.

“I am very proud of the way all of our local, state, and federal agencies worked together during this investigation,” East said. “With the support from all of the agencies involved, we were able to conduct a safe and professional investigation.”

Due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of the investigation, the sheriff’s office reported that no further information is being released at this time.