In the quiet town of Purvis, Mississippi, the life of 37-year-old Amanda West Rutherford was tragically cut short on November 14, 2020. She and another individual, 41-year-old James Kevin Lowe, were discovered deceased, both having suffered from fatal gunshot wounds. The grim discovery launched a double homicide investigation by local authorities.
The focus of the investigation quickly turned to 39-year-old Anthony Shane Simmons, who was identified as a suspect in the killings.
It is believed that Simmons was an acquaintance of the victims. As law enforcement closed in on his location at a relative's home in Lamar County the day after the murders, the situation took another dramatic turn. Upon seeing the approaching deputies, Simmons took his own life, dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound while sitting under a tree with a gun in his hand.
With the death of the sole suspect, the case concluded without an arrest or trial. The motive behind the tragic events that led to the deaths of Amanda West Rutherford and James Kevin Lowe remains unclear. Amanda, a graduate of Long Beach High School, was remembered for her quick wit and compassionate nature. She was a life member of the Girl Scouts and had a love for country music and line dancing.
