William Durr : Mississippi Supreme Court Denies Rehearing for 2017 Killer

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Mississippi Supreme Court appeal denial
2. Memorial Weekend killer rehearing decision

The Mississippi Supreme Court has rejected a second appeal to uphold the conviction of the Bogue Chitto man who murdered eight people in 2017. Willie Cory Godbolt was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing four individuals and received life sentences for four others. The victims were murdered at three different locations in Lincoln County over two days. Godbolt’s appeal was denied after the court found sufficient evidence to uphold his conviction. The 41-year-old was arrested for the Memorial Day weekend shooting, which began after his wife refused to return his children. Godbolt claimed he did not receive a fair trial, but his appeals were dismissed.

Details of the Mississippi Supreme Court Ruling

The Mississippi Supreme Court has recently made a decision regarding the appeal of Willie Cory Godbolt, the Bogue Chitto man responsible for the deaths of eight individuals in 2017. After a second appeal, the court has denied Godbolt’s attempts to overturn his conviction.

Godbolt’s Initial Sentencing

In 2020, Willie Cory Godbolt was sentenced to death for the murders of four people and received life sentences for the deaths of four others. These tragic events unfolded over a two-day period in Lincoln County, Mississippi. The victims were found at three different locations, all of which were marred by senseless violence.

Memorial Day Weekend Shooting

The Memorial Day weekend shooting spree began on May 17 at 11:30 p.m. at a residence in Bogue Chitto. The incident resulted in the deaths of three women and a 36-year-old sheriff’s deputy named William Durr. The chaos erupted when Godbolt’s wife, Sheena May, refused to return their children to him, prompting a series of tragic events.

The Tragic Aftermath

Following the initial shooting in Bogue Chitto, two males were found dead in another home in Brookhaven. Additionally, a man and a woman were discovered shot to death at a third residence. The victims included May’s mother, aunt, and sister, highlighting the devastating impact of Godbolt’s actions on an entire family.

Legal Battles and Appeals

Godbolt’s legal team raised several concerns during the appeals process, including the request for a change of venue from Lincoln County to Desoto County. Despite the change in venue, Godbolt contended that he did not receive a fair trial due to the close proximity of the two counties and the presence of jurors with ties to law enforcement.

The Supreme Court’s Decision

Ultimately, the Mississippi Supreme Court dismissed Godbolt’s claims, stating that there was enough evidence to uphold his conviction. The court highlighted Godbolt’s premeditation between the separate murder scenes as a key factor in their decision. Despite a motion for rehearing, the court stood by its initial ruling.

What Comes Next

As of now, an execution date for Willie Cory Godbolt has not been set. The legal proceedings surrounding this case have been complex and emotionally charged, leaving a community and a state grappling with the aftermath of such a horrific tragedy.