Family says suspect had 'episodes' before deadly Mississippi shooting rampage

— -- The family of the suspect in a deadly weekend shooting rampage in Mississippi said he had been acting out in the days before the massacre, which left a sheriff’s deputy and seven others dead.

The suspect, Willie Godbolt, 35, was taken into custody Sunday, accused of deadly shootings a day earlier in two rural towns about 70 miles south of Jackson.

Authorities believe Godbolt shot and killed eight people, including Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy William Durr, 36, after getting into an argument with his estranged wife. The shootings occurred at three locations.

Shon Blackwell, who identified himself as Godbolt’s cousin, told ABC affiliate WAPT that before the killings, Godbolt “had been having episodes for a while where he had been acting out, pulling guns, shooting at things [and] dogs — you know, doing different things.”

Blackwell’s son, Jordan Blackwell, 18, and nephew Austin Edwards, 11, were among the eight people killed in the massacre, according to WAPT. The two were reportedly playing video games in their living room when a man stormed in looking for their relatives.

Austin Edwards’ brother, Caleb Edwards, 15, said Jordan Blackwell was shot and killed while shielding him from the gunman.

“He loved me enough to take some bullets for me,” Caleb Edwards told The Associated Press on Monday. "I thought I was going to die.”

Shon Blackwell said he believes the gunman was looking for him and his wife.

“It would have been bad for me, but it would have been better for my son and my nephew,” Shon Blackwell said. “I really wish I was here.”

Authorities identified the other victims as Barbara Mitchell, 55; Brenda May, 53; Tocarra May, 35; Ferral Burage, 45; and Shelia Burage, 46. Family members said the mother, aunt and sister of Godbolt’s estranged wife were among the dead. His wife and children managed to escape, according to the family.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive behind the attack.

Authorities plan to charge Godbolt with one count of capital murder and seven counts of first-degree murder, but those charges could evolve in the coming days.