May 28 (UPI) — A man was taken into custody after he allegedly killed eight people, including a deputy, authorities in Mississippi said Sunday morning.
Cory Godbolt, 35, fled after killing the victims at three homes in Bogue Chitto and Brookhaven in rural Lincoln County, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said. The area is about 68 miles south of Jackson, the capital.
A 16-year-old male Godbolt had taken as a hostage is safe, Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing said.
Goldbolt told a Clarion-Ledger reporter he killed them because he loved his wife and children and he loves Bogue Chitto.
Rushing said to The Daily Leader that Godbolt was captured before 7 a.m. at Super Jack’s.
Late Saturday, the deputy responded to a call of a resident wanting the suspect removed from the property in Bogue Chitto, Rushing said. He said the deputy and three others were killed there. Two more people were shot and killed at another residence in Brookhaven. Two others were killed at another residence in Brookhaven.
Godbolt has a criminal history dating back to 2005, according to arrest records, including charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, simple assault and driving with a suspended license.
Gov. Phil Bryant released the following statement: “I ask all Mississippians to join Deborah and me in praying for those lost in Lincoln County. Every day, the men and women who wear the badge make some measure of sacrifice to protect and serve their communities. Too often, we lose one of our finest. I thank the law enforcement agencies involved for their hard work. May the peace of the Almighty wash over those hurting after this senseless tragedy.”
