LONG BEACH, MS. (THECOUNT) — Richard Timothy Ward was taken into custody after being shot by Florida deputies Friday afternoon, hours after his mother, Doris Crimmins, 84, and sister, Kimberly Hernandez, 63, were found dead inside their Long Beach home. Authorities are investigating Hernandez’s death as a homicide, while Crimmins’ death appeared to be from natural causes, according to the Harrison County coroner.
Long Beach police responded to the home on Lantana Boulevard around 10:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, after receiving a report of a shooting. Officers found both women dead inside, according to Police Chief Billy Seal.
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Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer identified the women as Crimmins and Hernandez, both of Long Beach. Crimmins owned the home and was receiving hospice care for cardiac issues. Hernandez lived there with her mother.
Switzer said Crimmins’ death appeared to be natural, but an autopsy was planned to confirm the cause. Hernandez’s death is being investigated as a homicide. Both autopsies were scheduled for Tuesday.
Ward is Crimmins’ son and Hernandez’s brother, Switzer said. Long Beach police identified him as a suspect after investigators located a vehicle believed to be connected to the case. Ward and the vehicle were later found in Pensacola, Florida.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., Escambia County sheriff’s deputies and Florida Highway Patrol officers went to a motel after receiving information that a homicide suspect was staying nearby, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said.
Deputies made contact with Ward, who pulled out a firearm, Simmons said. After deputies ordered him several times to put the weapon away, Ward fired at them, according to the sheriff.
Three deputies returned fire, striking Ward. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No deputies were injured, authorities said.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the deputy-involved shooting. Long Beach police said they believe the Mississippi incident was domestic-related and that their investigation remains active.
The home is located at 234 Lantana Boulevard in Long Beach, Harrison County, along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, west of Gulfport.
Long Beach is in Harrison County along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, between Gulfport and Pass Christian.
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