A man arrested in connection with killing six people in the Arkabutla community in what is being labeled one of the deadliest mass shootings in Mississippi history has been charged with capital and first-degree murder.
Richard Dale Crum, 52, of Coldwater, appeared in Tate County Justice Court Thursday, Feb. 23, for a preliminary hearing. Crum was previously denied bond and is being held at the Tate County Jail.
Crum was arrested at his residence in Arkabutla on Friday, Feb. 18, in connection with the shooting deaths of victims identified by Tate County Deputy Coroner Ernie Lentz as: Debra Crum, 60; George McCain, 73; Lynda McCain, 78; Charles Manuel, 76; John Rorie, 56, of Coldwater and Chris Boyce, 59, from Lakeland, Fla.
According to District Attorney Jay Hale, Crum was charged with one count of capital murder for the death of Debra Crum and one count of first-degree murder for the death of Boyce. A motive for the shootings remains unknown, according to officials.
Capital murder in Mississippi is any murder committed that makes the defendant eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment in the state penitentiary if found guilty. First-degree murder is any intentional murder that is willful and premeditated with malice aforethought.
“The burden of proof today was to show probable cause that a crime was committed, and that Mr. Crum committed that crime,” Hale said. “We presented a minimum amount of evidence to show probable cause why this case should be bound over to the action of the Tate County Grand Jury. We only presented evidence as to two of the victims today. However, once we proceed to the grand jury, we’ll present charges on all of our victims.”
Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance testified at the preliminary hearing a 12-gauge shotgun, a nine-millimeter handgun and a 45-caliber handgun were recovered from Crum’s vehicle after he was taken into custody.
Lance confirmed one of the victims, Debra Crum, was Crum’s ex-wife. She was found dead by investigators at a residence in the 800 block of Bend Road. Another victim was shot and killed at the Express Mart at 8257 Arkabutla Road and four others in the 1300 block of Arkabutla Dam Road.
Lance also testified Debra Crum’s current husband, George Drane, observed the suspect’s vehicle pulling into his driveway on Bend Road and saw the subject armed with a shotgun headed to his door. Lance said Drane attempted to close the door, but a struggle between the two men ensued and an errant shot was fired. Drane was not struck by gunfire but suffered injuries to his head after being hit with the suspect’s gun.
Lance said Drane observed the suspect going back to his vehicle to reload the weapon before reentering the home and fatally shooting Debra Crum.
During his testimony, Lance said shell casings from a 12-gauge shotgun were recovered at the scene on Bend Road and 45-caliber casings were found at the Express Mart during the initial investigation.
According to Lance, the first 911 call came from the Express Mart in Arkabutla where the suspect reportedly shot Boyce who was sitting in the driver's seat of a pickup in the parking lot. Boyce’s brother was in the truck with him at the time and fled. Lance said the suspect chased the brother through a wooded area before he escaped unharmed.
Lance said deputies arrested Crum at his home on Arkabutla Dam Road in connection with shooting his ex-wife, before discovering the bodies of two contractors, Manuel and Rorie, outside and the bodies of George and Lynda McCain inside a neighboring home. Lance said George McCain was Richard Crum’s ex-stepfather and Lynda was McCain’s sister.
Crum and his attorney, who was appointed to represent Crum at the preliminary hearing, both declined to speak on the charges presented against him.
An investigation of the shootings continues by the Tate County Sheriff's Office. Federal and state agencies and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation have been called in to help with the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also assisting.
