Police say a suspect is in custody after eight people were killed in shootings at three separate locations in Mississippi late Saturday. The shootings occurred in three different homes in Lincoln County, about 70 miles from Jackson, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesman Warren Strain said Sunday. Authorities have identified the suspect as Cory Godbolt, who was reportedly involved in an argument with his estranged wife over the couple’s children just before the shooting. Two boys were reported among the victims of the rampage, though it was not clear what relation they had to Godbolt. Godbolt’s stepfather-in-law, Vincent Mitchell, was cited by the Associated Press as saying his wife, her sister, and one of her daughters were also among the victims. The slain sheriff’s deputy was identified as 36-year-old William Durr. Charges against the suspect are pending. The Clarion-Ledger said one of its reporters was at the scene when the suspect was arrested Sunday. In a video taken at the scene, Godbolt can be heard telling the reporter about an argument with his wife that he says triggered the shooting. He said he was talking to his wife about taking his kids when bystanders intervened. “My intention was to have God kill me. I ran out of bullets. Suicide by cop was my intention,” he said.
