6 dead in series of shootings in Mississippi; suspect in custody

Six people are dead after a "series of shootings" in Tate County, Mississippi, on Friday, authorities said.

A suspect has been taken into custody, the governor said.

The shootings occurred at three different locations in Arkabutla -- outside a convenience store and in two homes -- according to Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance.

The gunman first entered the store, then fatally shot a man in a vehicle outside in what appears to be a random attack, Lance told ABC News.

The suspect's ex-wife was fatally shot inside a home about two to three miles away from the store, Lance said. Her husband was struck with a weapon but survived, the sheriff said.

The third scene was behind the suspect's house, at a home down an access road, according to Lance. Two people were found dead in the house and two others believed to be handymen were found dead on the access road outside the residence, Lance said.

The suspect -- identified as Richard Dale Crum, 52, of Arkabutla -- was arrested outside his home without incident, Lance said. He allegedly had two handguns and a shotgun.

Crum has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, with additional charges for the other victims expected to be filed in the coming days, the sheriff's office said.

Crum is being held without bond in the Tate County Jail. It is unclear if he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

The sheriff's office said it is in the "very early stages" of the investigation.

Investigators believe the suspect has no connection to the victim at the convenience store. "His motive is not yet known," Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted.

It is believed the suspect acted alone, according to Reeves.

The victims were identified by the Tate County deputy coroner on Saturday as: Chris Boyce, 59, of Lakeland, Florida; Debra Crum, 60, of Arkabutla, who was the suspect's ex-wife; John Rorie, 59, of Tate County; Charles Manuel, 76, of Tate County; George McCain, 73, of Arkabutla, who was the stepfather of the suspect; and McCain's sister, Lynda McCain, 78, of Arkabutla.

Lynda McCain's daughters, Tammy DiCarlo and Debbie Mallett, told ABC News that their mother and uncle were found dead at the third scene behind the suspect's house. Two friends who were working on the roof were the other two victims at that scene, they said.

They said Richard Crum was the caregiver of his stepfather, George McCain, who "loved him like his own son." Their mother was temporarily living at the home as well, they said.

The sisters said they are in disbelief in the wake of the mass shooting. They said they don't know why it happened and have many questions.

"We've never seen any signs of anything like this from him," Mallett said of the suspect. "He's never hurt anyone. So we were actually shocked and devastated."

They said their mother was well-known and popular in the small town.

"Everybody loved her," DiCarlo said. "Many people called her mom."

"She had a big heart and she loved people, and people loved her," she continued.

President Joe Biden said he and the first lady are mourning the six killed in Tate County, as they have for "far too many Americans."

"We grieve with their families and with Americans nationwide as gun violence claims yet more lives," Biden said in a statement Friday. "We are also praying for the recovery of those injured in this horrendous attack, and for survivors who will carry both grief and trauma with them for the rest of their lives."

Biden said federal law enforcement is in close touch with state and local authorities and he has directed that all federal support be made available, while also calling on Congress to take "commonsense steps" on gun law reforms.

"We are 48 days into the year and our nation has already suffered at least 73 mass shootings. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough," Biden said. "Gun violence is an epidemic and Congress must act now."

ABC News' Faith Abubey, Matt Foster and Molly Nagle contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.