In the quiet community of Toomsuba, Mississippi, a horrific scene unfolded in February 2017, shattering the lives of a close-knit family. On February 21st, deputies from the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department conducted a welfare check at a home on Butts Road. Inside, they made a grim discovery that would send shockwaves through the community. Sixty-five-year-old Edna Durr, a female, was found shot to death along with three other family members.
The other victims were her two daughters, 42-year-old Tomecca Pickett and 27-year-old Kiearra Durr, and her 5-year-old grandson, Owen Pickett. Miraculously, Kiearra's 3-year-old daughter was found alive and physically unharmed amidst the tragedy.
Investigators believe the killings took place on the evening of Monday, February 20, 2017. There were no signs of forced entry into the home, leading authorities to suspect that the perpetrator was known to the family. This suspicion was soon confirmed as the investigation quickly focused on one individual. Karon Deshawn McVay, who was 44 years old at the time, was identified as a suspect. He had been in a romantic relationship with Tomecca Pickett, and there was a history of domestic violence. It was reported that Pickett had been making plans to move away with her son, a decision that may have preceded the violent encounter.
McVay was arrested and charged with three counts of murder and one count of capital murder in connection with the four deaths. He later confessed to the killings, providing a chilling account of the events that transpired. According to his statement, an argument with Tomecca escalated to violence. He admitted to shooting her, and then her son Owen when the young boy walked into the room. He then proceeded to shoot Edna and Kiearra. Autopsies revealed that Edna Durr died from multiple gunshot wounds.
In November 2018, a grand jury indicted McVay on four counts of capital murder, one count of possession of a weapon by a felon, and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. Following a trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict on four counts of capital murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. His conviction was later affirmed on appeal.
