Stranger Danger Case Files | Why did two men die in that basement?

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Incident Report

YCSD Emergency Services received a 911 call reporting the discovery of two bodies.

Two victims found shot in Tyler Ave home

The Crime Beat column reports: Two shooting victims discovered in a Tyler Avenue home

Vanessa Pruitt biography

After growing up in Alabama, Vanessa moved to Oxford to overcome a devastating loss.

Vanessa Pruitt interview

The detectives met with Vanessa the morning after she found the bodies.

Evidence inventory

CSU provided a preliminary inventory of evidence collected at the Tyler Avenue crime scene.

Crime scene diagram

A diagram showing the details of the room where the bodies were found.

Officer Pettimore interview

Officer Lewis Pettimore was directing traffic at Tyler Ave. & Lamar Blvd. for the Street Party on the night of February 19th.

Robert Pruitt biography

Robert Pruitt was found shot to death in his home alongside another person his wife could not identify.

Neighbor canvass

YCSD investigators spoke to neighbors to see if they'd noticed anything around the Pruitt residence.

Gary Rayburn biography

Gary floundered in life until Robert Pruitt became his friend and role model.

Gary Rayburn interview

The detectives spoke to Robert Pruitt's law partner about Pruitt's business and personal relationships.

Mira Lee biography

After a devastating heartbreak, Mira set her sights on a career.

Mira Lee interview

The detectives spoke to Pruitt & Rayburn's secretary/receptionist about her late boss and his partner.

Rick Gill biography

Rick works well with his hands and struggles to control his sharp temper.

Rick Gill interview

The detectives spoke to a man who reportedly threatened Robert Pruitt.

Oliver Lee interview

The detectives talked to Mira's father about her activities the night of the killings.

Rayburn alibi canvass

Investigators spoke to Gary Rayburn's neighbors and others about his whereabouts.

Coroner's Summary Report - victim #1

The coroner provided a preliminary report on the autopsy of Robert Pruitt.

Coroner's Summary Report - victim #2

The coroner provided a preliminary report on the autopsy of the second shooting victim.

Jackie Woodruff biography

Jackie blamed Robert Pruitt for the time she served in prison.

Jackie Woodruff interview

The detectives talked to Jackie about her dispute with Robert Pruitt.

Criminal history – Wayne Fisher

YCSD investigators ran a check on Wayne Fisher's criminal history in the State of Mississippi.

Wayne Fisher biography

After a rocky past, Wayne's prospects finally improved after going into business with his son.

Places of Interest map

This map shows locations in Yoknapatawpha County relevant to the investigation.

Archive: Pruitt to defend accused killer

From the Oxford Weekly Planet archives… The Crime Beat reports

Joel Fisher biography

After a turbulent childhood, Joel has been estranged from his father and brother for years.

Joel Fisher interview

The detectives located Wayne Fisher's son Joel and spoke with him about his father.

Christine Fisher biography

Christine was married to Wayne Fisher for 14 years before their divorce.

Christine Fisher interview

The detectives drove over to Pontotoc to talk to Wayne Fisher's ex-wife.

Ned Fisher biography

After a rowdy childhood, Ned settled down after going into business with his father.

Ned Fisher interview

The detectives went to see the second victim's younger son and business partner.

Gloria Bell biography

Gloria has been focused on her career and public service since her marriage failed.

Gloria Bell interview

The detectives spoke to Robert's first wife about her relationships with him and his law partner.

Criminal History – Rick Gill

YCSD investigators ran a check on Rick Gill's criminal history in the State of Mississippi.

Gill alibi canvass

Investigators tried to find witnesses who could verify Rick's whereabouts the night of the homicides

Gary Rayburn interview #2

The detectives met with Gary again to clarify some of his previous statements.

Preliminary shooting reconstruction

Forensic analysts determined likely trajectories for the bullets fired in the Pruitt basement

Criminal History – Jackie Woodruff

YCSD investigators ran a check on Jackie Woodruff's criminal history in the State of Mississippi.

Woodruff alibi canvass

Investigators canvassed Oxford bars to corroborate Jackie's whereabouts the night of the homicides.

Christine Fisher alibi canvass

Investigators talked with Piggly Wiggle employees and Christine's neighbors to check her alibi.

Joel Fisher alibi canvass

Investigators canvassed the area where Joel said he was working to try to corroborate his alibi.

Gerald & Dee Dee Hattin interview

The detectives talked to Vanessa's parents about her whereabouts when her husband was murdered.

Bell alibi canvass

Investigators spoke with neighbors and others to try to confirm Gloria's alibi.

Vanessa Pruitt interview #2

The detectives wanted Vanessa to clarify a few things that she told them previously.

James Bettis interview

The detectives spoke to Ned Fisher's neighbors, including Mr. Bettis, about Ned's alibi.

Ned Fisher interview #2

The detectives met with Ned again to pin down his alibi and learn more about his father.

Criminal History – Ned Fisher

YCSD investigators ran a check on Ned Fisher's criminal history in the State of Mississippi.

Joel Fisher interview #2

The detectives asked Joel more about his relationships with his estranged father and brother.

Christine Fisher interview #2

The detectives were hoping Christine would give them more insight into her sons.

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