Six people were killed Friday in a shooting rampage in a rural area of Mississippi, local media reported. Police said the suspect, now in custody, first shot a person at a store in the small town of Arkabutla. He then went to a nearby house and killed a woman, according to media in Memphis, Tennessee. After that, he drove to another home—believed to be his residence—where he killed two more people, according to local law‑enforcement officials cited by CBS affiliate WREG. Police pursued him to a second home, where he was apprehended; two additional victims were found dead at that location, WREG reported.
During the manhunt, the elementary school in nearby Coldwater was placed on an “active shooter” lockdown, as noted on its Facebook page. Memphis‑based TV station Action News 5 identified the alleged shooter as 52‑year‑old Richard Dale Crum. Authorities have not provided a motive for the shootings.
In a tweeted statement, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said he had been briefed on the incident and confirmed that the suspect was in custody. “At this time, we believe he acted alone. His motive is not known,” Reeves said, adding, “Please pray for the victims of this tragic violence and their families at this time.” The case is being handled by the sheriff of Tate County, where Arkabutla is located, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. The type of firearm used has not been reported.
The deadly shooting comes only days after a man with no known motive attacked a university campus in Michigan, killing three people.
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