On Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, Crystal Lynn Welch, 42, was found shot to death in a Ridgeland, Mississippi home alongside her mother, Ida Thomas Welch, 76, and her sister, Vicky Renee Welch, 56. Family members had contacted the Ridgeland Police Department out of concern, which led officers to discover the three women fatally wounded by gunshot.

Investigators identified a primary suspect as Ivory James Welch III, son of Ida and brother of Crystal and Vicky. An arrest warrant was issued and a multi-state manhunt followed. Arizona state troopers later located Welch III; when they moved to take him into custody he opened fire, and the confrontation ended with Welch III fatally wounded.

Crystal Welch was an associate clinical professor at the Mississippi College School of Law and served as board president for the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi. The motive for the shootings is not stated. If anyone knew Crystal or has information about the family that could help clarify what happened, please share what is known.