Judy Baxter was killed at her home in Amory, MS, on Thursday, August 12, 2021. One day later in the same area, a young woman was attacked outside of her home, knocked out, and drug across the street before coming to.
No one has been apprehended in connection with either case, and the Amory Police Department isn't ready to establish a connection between the two.
"Can I say they’re connected? No. Can I say they're not connected? No. I can’t say at this point in time but it’s under investigation too,” Chief of Police Ronnie Bowen told local media at a press conference in Frisco Park almost 48 hours after the initial attack.
In the absence of information, the community has been struck with fear. Every evening has brought more rumors, from the occurrence of a police standoff to the evacuation of an entire neighborhood. No one is quite sure what to believe.
Doors are deadbolted, first guns are purchased, and many teenagers aren't allowed out after dark. Local Facebook is filled with advice on safety measures, and residents are taking roundabout ways home to make sure they aren't followed.
And as night falls, Amory settles into social media, attempting to find out where the next attack occurred. Phone calls are exchanged, street names are thrown out like candy, and questions linger.
They are questions that the police department isn't ready to publicly answer. The police are asking for the community to help, wanting anyone with dash or home cameras in the area of the two attacks to reach out to the department.
On Sunday, August 15, 2021, dozens filled Frisco Park with candles, and area preachers spoke about Baxter's faith and commitment to the community. Several people I spoke to wanted to attend the vigil but were fearful of getting out with no one apprehended in connection with the crime.
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First United Methodist Pastor Wesley Pepper speaks about Baxter's faith at the beginning of the community wide vigil in Frisco Park.
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Candles are lifted during a moment of song at the end of the vigil for Judy Baxter in Frisco Park.
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Area preachers gather for a moment of prayer after a community member fainted at the vigil for Judy Baxter.
