Ivory James Welch III : “Son Kills Mother and Sisters in Mother’s Day Massacre”

A tragic incident on Mother’s Day left a woman and two of her daughters dead in Mississippi, with the suspect later being shot dead by state troopers in Arizona. The Ridgeland Police Department reported that Ivory James Welch III was the main suspect in the triple homicide, which took place at a home on Old Canton Road in Ridgeland. The victims were identified as Ida Thomas Welch, 76, Vicky Renee Welch, 56, and Crystal Lynn Welch, 42.

Following the discovery of the crime scene, an arrest warrant was issued for Welch, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force initiated a search for him. The suspect was eventually located by Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers between Morenci and Clifton. The pursuit involved officers from the Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office and the Clifton Police Department.

Upon locating Welch, a gunfight ensued between the suspect and the Arizona State Troopers. Welch fired upon the troopers and was fatally wounded in the exchange of gunfire. Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers praised the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies that led to the swift resolution of the case.

The Mississippi ACLU released a statement mourning the loss of Crystal Welch, who had served as the Board President since 2023. Executive Director Jarvis Dortch expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event and highlighted Crystal’s dedication to equality and justice. Friends and colleagues remembered Crystal as a passionate and dedicated individual who made significant contributions to the community.

Authorities have not been able to determine a clear motive for the fatal shootings. Chief Myers mentioned that Welch may have been upset about a funeral and his birthday, which had occurred on the Friday before the incident. The investigation into the tragic events continues as the community grapples with the loss of three lives on Mother’s Day.