Everything We Know About The Mississippi Shooting Spree That Left Eight People Dead

Willie Cory Godbolt gave a recorded, on-camera confession after being arrested as a prime suspect in a shooting spree that left eight dead.

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

A Saturday night shooting spree in rural Mississippi has left eight dead according to various news sources. Reports from the Associated Press indicate things began when police responded to a distress call late Saturday night. Authorities confirmed the shootings took place in Brookhaven, Mississippi and Bogue Chitto. Both are approximately 55 miles south of Jackson, Mississippi, with the later being an unincorporated community.

Willie Cory Godbolt is the prime suspect in all eight shootings, and while he is in custody, charges have not yet been filed.

The Shootings Were Reportedly Caused By A Domestic Dispute

Godbolt confessed to Therese Apel of The Clarion-Ledger at one of the crime scenes, and the confession has been recorded on camera.

Suspect tells me Lincoln Co. deputy was just in the way, and after all this he meant to commit suicide by cop. pic.twitter.com/ZebieSQkdR

“We was talking about me taking my children, and her sister and auntie called the police,” Godbolt said. “I was having a conversation with her stepdaddy and her mama and her, my wife, about me taking my children home. Somebody called the officer. People who didn't even live at the house, but that’s what they do. They intervene. It caused him his life. I’m sorry.”

Apel can be heard in the video asking if a fallen officer was collateral damage.

“My pain wasn’t designed for him,” Godbolt answered. “He was just there.”

One Victim Is Confirmed As Sheriff’s Deputy William Durr

Durr was one of the initial responders after the emergency call was made. He served under the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department for two years and was a member of the Brookhaven Police Department for the last four years. He was 36-years-old.

“Every day, the men and women who wear the badge make some measure of sacrifice to protect and serve their communities,” wrote Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant via a statement released on his official Facebook page. “Too often, we lose one of our finest. I thank the law enforcement agencies involved for their hard work.”

Godbolt Was Allegedly On A Suicide Mission

When Apel asked Godbolt what was next for him, his cryptic confession continued.

“Death, death, death,” he said. “My intentions were to have y’all [law enforcement] to kill me, but I ran out of bullets. I ain’t fit to live. Not after what I’ve done.”

It appears Godbolt escaped death himself, as he was also treated at the crime scene for a gunshot wound.

This Is The Largest Killing Spree In Lincoln County’s Known History

Godbolt’s capture was the result of coordinated efforts between the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Pike, Walthall, Franklin, Copiah, Lawrence, Amite counties sheriff’s departments, and the Brookhaven Police Department.

According to Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesman Warren Strain, there has also been a quadruple homicide in nearby Yazoo County.

The Shootings Happened At A Minimum Of Three Locations

The first shooting was reported at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, where authorities found the bodies of Durr and three women. According to family members, the mother and aunt of Godbolt’s estranged wife were killed, while Godbolt’s wife and children escaped.

The second round of shootings is believed to have occurred at the home of Godbolt’s pastor. The bodies of two juvenile boys were found.

At a third location, authorities found the bodies of Godbolt’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

It’s unclear just how many of the victims Godbolt knew personally, but the investigation is still ongoing. Names of the victims have not been released, as they are currently being identified by their next of kin.

Governor Bryant asked citizens to join he and his wife Deborah in prayer over what he referred to as a “senseless tragedy.”

Latest in Life