Whitney Downard / The Meridian StarKaron McVay (left)  the suspect in Monday's murder of four people in Toomsuba, was spotted in the crowd near the crime scene Tuesday. He was later arrested and is facing multiple charges for the killings. McVay, 44, has a criminal history, according to court records. 

 

The suspect in the murder of four people in Toomsuba Monday has a criminal history, according to authorities. 

Karon Deshawn McVay, 44, faces three counts of murder, one count of capital murder and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

On Tuesday, during a welfare check, a deputy discovered the family around 8 a.m. By 11 p.m., investigators arrested and charged McVay in the deaths of Edna Durr, 65; her daughters Kiearra Durr, 27, and Tomecca L. Pickett, 42; and Pickett’s son, 5-year-old Owen Pickett. 

According to court records, McVay pleaded guilty to arson of an occupied building, not dwelling in Alexandria, Virginia in 1998. He faced a three-year sentence and the court suspended all but six months. After serving six months, McVay went on probation. In July of 2000, he violated his parole and served the last remaining year of his sentence. In Virginia, an arson charge is a felony. 

On Wednesday, Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun said Pickett and McVay had a personal relationship, adding that “this could accurately be described as a domestic violence situation that had been ongoing.”

Neighbor Janice Walker, a cousin, said Wednesday that Pickett planned to move to Chunky with her son Owen, leaving McVay behind and “moving on.” McVay lived with the family and worked around the house.

“He used their kindness for weakness,” Walker said. “I’ll just say that I’m not surprised, but I am surprised he did it like this… Nobody deserves to die by somebody who they cared for or let in their home as their own.”

Leslie Payne, the Care Lodge executive director, said leaving an abuser requires coordination and safety planning.

“Generally speaking, a victim is at their most vulnerable when they attempt to leave a domestic violence situation or an abusive situation,” Payne said. “Safety planning is key for a victim to be able to leave a situation safely.”

Payne works with domestic violence victims at the Care Lodge, which provides counseling for families and shelter for victims. She recalled stories of aggressors threatening to harm the victims and their families should they try to leave, but stressed that she could not speak specifically about Pickett and McVay’s relationship.

“A victim cannot do this alone,” Payne said, suggesting that victims reach out and contact the Care Lodge’s 24/7 crisis hotline to help coordinate a safety plan to leave an abuser. 

Law enforcement did not report any prior calls, domestic abuse or otherwise, to the home. 

Payne said domestic violence is common in the Lauderdale County community. 

“We do (see it a lot),” Payne said. “You would be absolutely amazed.”

The Care Lodge, their 24/7 crisis hotline, answered by a trained coordinator, can be reached at (601) 693-4673 or online at carelodge.com.