In the quiet community of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, a devastating series of events unfolded on May 27, 2017, forever altering the lives of many. Ferral Dishon Burage, a 45-year-old man, was tragically killed in a violent shooting spree that claimed the lives of seven other people. The horrific incident left the small town in a state of shock and mourning.
The rampage began late that Saturday night and continued into the early hours of Sunday morning, spanning three separate locations in
Lincoln County. The alleged gunman, Willie Cory Godbolt, moved from home to home, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Among the victims were a Lincoln County sheriff's deputy, as well as several of Godbolt's own relatives and acquaintances.
Ferral Dishon Burage, along with his wife, Shelia May Burage, were two of the individuals who lost their lives during this senseless act of violence. The other victims were identified as Barbara Mitchell, 55; Toccara May, 35; Brenda May, 53; Austin Edwards, 11; Jordan Blackwell, 18; and Deputy Donald William Durr, 36. Each of their deaths represented an immeasurable loss to their families and the close-knit community.
In the aftermath of the shootings, Willie Cory Godbolt was taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with one count of capital murder for the death of the deputy and seven counts of first-degree murder for the other victims. Following his arrest, Godbolt reportedly made statements to a reporter, expressing that he was not 'fit to live' after the events that had transpired. The case proceeded through the legal system, with Godbolt facing trial for his alleged actions. He was ultimately convicted on all counts and sentenced to death.
