Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Mississippi Supreme Court Upholds Conviction of Bogue Chitto Man for 2017 Murders
In a recent ruling, the Mississippi Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of Willie Godbolt, a Bogue Chitto man who was found guilty of killing eight people in 2017. Godbolt, now 41 years old, was sentenced to death for the murders of four individuals and received life sentences for the deaths of four others.
The tragic incident took place over a two-day span in Lincoln County, where Godbolt took the lives of eight victims at three different locations. The killings began on a Memorial Day weekend, with the first shooting occurring at a house in Bogue Chitto late at night. Among the victims were three women and a 36-year-old sheriff’s deputy named William Durr.
Details of the Tragic Events
The shootings were sparked by a domestic dispute, as Godbolt’s wife, Sheena May, had recently moved out of their shared residence with their children. When May refused to return the children to him, a violent altercation ensued, resulting in multiple fatalities.
After the initial shooting in Bogue Chitto, two males were found dead in another home in Brookhaven. A man and a woman were later discovered shot to death at a third location. The victims included May’s mother, aunt, and sister, along with other individuals who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Challenges in the Legal Process
During his appeal, Godbolt raised concerns about the fairness of his trial. He requested a change of venue from Lincoln County to DeSoto County, citing potential bias in the original location. Although the trial was moved to Pike County with jurors from DeSoto County, Godbolt argued that the proximity of the two counties made little difference.
Furthermore, Godbolt contested the decision to try him for all the crimes at once, claiming that the incidents at the three locations were separate and distinct. However, the Supreme Court determined that the murders were premeditated and interconnected, leading to the upholding of his conviction.
Future Proceedings
Despite the court’s ruling, an execution date for Godbolt has not yet been set. The legal proceedings surrounding this case have been complex and emotionally charged, with families of the victims seeking closure and justice for their loved ones.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these senseless killings, the memory of the eight lives lost in 2017 serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence on individuals and communities.
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