An additional charge of capital murder has been given to the man accused of killing six individuals at several locations in Tate County on Friday.
52-year-old Richard Dale Crum is now facing two charges of capital murder for two of the deceased victims, including Florida resident Chris Eugene Boyce and his ex-wife, Debra McNally Crum.
Crum was said to have started his “shooting rampage” at a convenience store in Arkabutla around 11:00 a.m. on Friday. The small, unincorporated town is comprised of approximately 285 people and is located around 45 miles south of Memphis.
Officials have stated that Crum began shooting at 59-year-old Boyce and his brother, Doug, while they were seated in a pickup truck. Florida resident Boyce and Alaska native Doug had traveled to Arkabutla to work on property that was recently inherited by a deceased uncle.
Doug, who was in the passenger seat of the vehicle, fled the scene after the shooting began and ran into a nearby wooded area with Crum following. At this time, officials have not confirmed if the victims knew Crum prior to the incident.
Crum then traveled to the house of his ex-wife and her boyfriend, George Drane, where he injured Drane with the butt of his gun before shooting Debra Crum.
Following the second victim’s death, Crum killed two construction workers, 76-year-old Charles Manuel and 59-year-old John Rorie, who were located on a road near his house.
Several minutes later, Crum entered the home of his stepfather, George McCain, 73, which he was living with at the time. Crum then shot McCain and his stepfather’s sister, 78-year-old Lynda McCain.
Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement following the release of the incident:
“I will ensure that the full resources of the state are available to law enforcement as we continue to investigate the situation. Please pray for the victims of this tragic violence and their families at this time.”
Crum is currently being help without bond, as additional charges are expected to be filed by police.
No clear motive for Crum’s actions has been released at this time.
