Brenda May, a 53-year-old female, was tragically killed on May 27, 2017, in a violent shooting rampage that shook the rural community of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi. Her life was cut short during a series of events that claimed the lives of seven other innocent people, including a sheriff's deputy. The devastating crime spree began after a domestic dispute, escalating into a night of terror that spread across three separate locations in Lincoln County.
The perpetrator, Willie Cory Godbolt, embarked on his deadly path following an argument with his estranged wife. The first victims were at a home on Lee Drive, where Brenda May, her sister Barbara Mitchell, and another relative, Toccara May, were fatally shot. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy William Durr was also killed at this location while responding to the initial call for help. The violence did not end there, as Godbolt proceeded to two other residences, leaving more victims in his wake.
In the aftermath of the widespread violence, a massive manhunt was launched for Godbolt, who was eventually apprehended the following morning. His capture brought an end to the hours-long ordeal but marked the beginning of a long road to justice for the families of the victims. Godbolt faced a litany of charges for his heinous acts, including multiple counts of capital murder.
In February 2020, Willie Cory Godbolt was convicted on all counts, including four counts of capital murder and four counts of murder for the deaths of Brenda May and the seven other victims. The jury handed down the sentence of death for the capital murder charges, in addition to life in prison. Following his conviction, Godbolt has pursued appeals, but the initial verdicts and sentences have been upheld. Wrongful death lawsuits have also been filed by the families of the victims, seeking damages from the convicted killer.
