Reports: Six dead in Arkabutla shootings
Reports are that six people have died in shooting incidents in Tate County on Friday, Feb. 17 in the Arkabutla area.
WMC-TV is reporting a suspect is in custody after the shooting spree, which began inside a store on Arkabutla Road, where a man was shot and killed there.
A woman died when shot inside a home on Arkabutla Dam Road, and her husband was injured, although not immediately known if he was shot or injured by another means.
The suspect was located and taken into custody inside a vehicle on Arkabutla Dam Road. A report from WREG-TV said the unidentified suspect was taken into custody after a pursuit when the vehicle was first recognized. That pursuit ended when the suspect pulled into a driveway of a home.
Four other people were later found dead. Two inside a home and the other two outside the home, also on Arkabutla Dam Road.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been called to aid in the investigation.
Gov. Tate Reeves posted on Twitter and Facebook that he had been briefed about what had happened.
4 p.m. UPDATE:
The suspect in custody has been identified as Richard Dale Crum, according to a WATN-TV report. Crum has been charged with one count of first degree murder with additional charges to come.
The Tate County Sheriff posted the following information to its Facebook page late Friday afternoon:
“As many of you are aware, earlier today there was a series of shootings at three different locations in Arkabutla, resulting in the deaths of six people. We are in the very early stages of the investigation so we can only release a limited amount of information. What we do want the community to know is that the suspect is in custody. Richard Dale Crum, 52, of Arkabulta was arrested this afternoon and charged with First Degree Murder in connection with this case. Additional charges, for each of the other victims, will be filed in the coming days. Crum is being held without bond in the Tate County Jail.”
Tate County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook
Tate County Government followed with a statement it posted on its social media.
Our hearts are heavy as we learned about the tragic event that happened in Arkabutla. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this tragedy. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time. We know that no words can ever replace the loved ones that have been lost, but please know that we stand with you during this difficult time.
The Board of Supervisors greatly appreciates the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement officers, dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, medical examiners, and all other first responders who responded to this tragic event in our community. Your dedication and bravery during this time of crisis is greatly appreciated. Please join us in keeping these men and women in our prayers as they continue to work this investigation and as they continue to serve our community every day.
Tate County Government on Facebook
On Monday, Feb. 20, the Tate County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook that Richard Dale Crum was charged with one count of Capital Murder for the death of Debra McNally Crum in addition to the First Degree Murder charge for the death of Chris Eugene Boyce. The initial appearance took place at the Tate County Jail due to security concerns. Crum remains held without bond with a preliminary hearing set for Thursday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m. at the Tate County Justice Court.
