Police have reported that a man from Mississippi, suspected of killing his mother and two sisters, died in a shootout with state troopers in Arizona. The event concluded a multi-state manhunt that started at the crime scene in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
The Ridgeland Police Department identified the man as Ivory James Welch III, 54, who was a primary suspect in the killings before he fled Mississippi. His flight ended abruptly in Arizona on Monday, May 13, after a gunfight with state troopers, which resulted in his death.
Ridgeland Police were alerted to the triple homicide on Sunday, May 12, around 3:30 p.m., according to Police Chief Brian Myers. The victims, discovered at a residence on Old Canton Road, were identified as Ida Thomas Welch, aged 76, Vicky Renee Welch, aged 56, and Crystal Lynn Welch, aged 42. The bodies were found after family members requested a welfare check.
Chief Myers spoke about the tragic event, stating, “This horrific event will have a lasting effect on this family, the officers involved in this investigation as well as our brothers in Arizona law enforcement.”
Following Welch’s identification as the suspect, the Ridgeland Police Department partnered with the U.S. Marshals Task Force to find him. His vehicle was traced and Welch was located by Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers in an area between Morenci and Clifton, Arizona, with assistance from the Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office and the Clifton Police Department.
Welch’s attempted arrest led to a shootout. “Arizona State Troopers attempted to take Welch into custody when he fired upon them, resulting in his death,” Myers explained.
Myers commended the collaboration between the different law enforcement agencies, attributing their quick action to strong teamwork and effective media relations, which provided “swift justice for a grieving family.”
The ACLU of Mississippi issued a statement recognizing Crystal Welch’s position as Board President since 2023. “Crystal was a significant leader and friend to the ACLU of Mississippi,” stated Jarvis Dortch, ACLU Mississippi Executive Director. “Her passion and dedication to equality and justice profoundly impacted our team. We offer our deepest condolences to her family,” the statement concluded.
Colendula Green, a friend of Crystal Welch, remembered her as an extraordinary individual who was passionate about her work and life.
The reasons behind the shootings remain unknown. According to Chief Myers, “He may have been upset about a funeral and his birthday which was on Friday.”
On Monday, Chief Myers revealed that Welch had a history of troublesome brushes with the law.
He noted that in 2006, their department had interactions with Welch regarding a domestic violence incident involving a relative. In 2012, they were again in contact with Welch due to an assault allegation.
