Ep 12. Bible Belt Massacre

In season 5, episode 12 of People Magazine Investigates, viewers are taken to a small, tight-knit community in the bible belt of America where a horrific crime took place. On March 10th, 2009, six members of the Byrd family were found shot to death in their home. The murders sent shockwaves through the town of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and left law enforcement officials scrambling for answers.

The episode begins with a haunting 911 call made by the youngest victim, 4-year-old Mason, moments before he was killed. The call is one of the only clues investigators have to go on. From there, viewers are taken on a journey through the investigation, which would take over a year before an arrest was finally made.

Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and forensic experts, we begin to piece together the horrifying events that took place on that fateful night. The investigation is complicated by the fact that the Byrd family was well-liked in the community and had no obvious enemies. Leads are scarce, and it seems like the case may never be solved.

However, investigators continue to comb through evidence and interview witnesses, and eventually, they get a break in the case. They discover a connection between the Byrd family and someone who had recently moved to town - a man named Corey Godbolt. Godbolt had a long criminal history, including charges for domestic abuse and assault.

With this connection in hand, investigators finally make an arrest. Godbolt initially denies involvement in the murders, but eventually confesses to the crime. He claims that he was upset with his estranged wife and her family and that the murders were a result of his anger and frustration.

The episode takes a deep dive into Godbolt's history and the events leading up to the murders. We learn about his troubled childhood and his turbulent relationships with family members and romantic partners. Through it all, we begin to understand how someone like Godbolt could commit such a heinous act.

The episode also highlights the resilience of the Brookhaven community in the aftermath of the murders. We see how the town came together to support the Byrd family and each other during this difficult time. We hear from family members who describe the lasting impact the murders have had on their lives.

Overall, "Bible Belt Massacre" is a gripping episode of People Magazine Investigates that sheds light on a horrific crime that shook a small town to its core. It's a reminder that even in the most tight-knit communities, darkness can lurk just beneath the surface.