On February 17, 2023, Coldwater, Mississippi lost 60-year-old Debra Sue Crum to a violent attack carried out inside her home. The assailant, identified as her ex-husband Richard Dale Crum, 52, allegedly forced entry carrying a shotgun and two handguns, struck Debra’s fiancé George Drane with the butt of a gun, then shot Debra and, after reloading, shot her again at point-blank range, killing her instantly.

The shooting was part of a wider rampage that began earlier that day at a convenience store in Arkabutla and continued with multiple additional victims, including two handymen and two relatives of the suspect. Law enforcement later arrested Richard Crum at his home and charged him with capital murder; officials have indicated additional charges were expected. A judge has since ruled him incompetent to stand trial and ordered commitment to a state mental health facility for treatment and evaluation.

What details about Debra’s life in Coldwater or her last days might help explain who she was or why this unfolded the way it did? If anyone knew Debra, George Drane, or has information about the events of February 17, contact investigators.