RIDGELAND, MS – A tragic Mother’s Day incident in Mississippi resulted in the deaths of a woman and her two daughters, with the suspected perpetrator later found dead in Arizona, authorities confirmed. The man, identified as Ivory James Welch III, was the primary suspect in the murders of his mother and sisters. He managed to flee the state before being killed in an exchange of gunfire with Arizona state troopers.
The Ridgeland Police Department received a distress call regarding the triple homicide at around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday from a residence on Old Canton Road in Ridgeland. The victims were identified as Ida Thomas Welch, 76, Vicky Renee Welch, 56, and Crystal Lynn Welch, 42. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
The Mississippi law enforcement officers were informed of the suspect’s death in Arizona on Monday afternoon. An arrest warrant had been issued for Welch, leading the U.S. Marshals Task Force to initiate a manhunt. He was eventually located by troopers from Arizona Department of Public Safety between Morenci and Clifton.
Upon locating Welch, a gunfight broke out, resulting in his fatal injury. Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers commended the teamwork demonstrated by law enforcement agencies and the media, which he believes facilitated swift justice for the grieving family.
The Mississippi ACLU issued a statement remembering Crystal Welch, who had served as Board President since 2023. Executive Director Jarvis Dortch expressed his shock and sadness over the news, praising Crystal’s commitment to equality and justice. Friends and colleagues remember Crystal as a passionate, enthusiastic leader with a zest for life.
While the motive behind the fatal shootings remains unclear, authorities speculate that Welch may have been upset about a funeral and his recent birthday.