Amy Lynn Bates
Paul Brian Rector, 38, was shot and killed on Stuart Street late Sunday night, and a 29-year-old Harrison woman has been charged in the death.
Amy Lynn Bates, of 5924 Porter Dr., was charged with criminal homicide, aggravated arson, aggravated assault and firearm possession.
Police found Rector lying on the floor at the foot of a bed. He had been shot in the head and was dead at the scene.
Police began looking for a white female, wearing blue jeans, last seen traveling north on foot.
Police located Ms. Bates three blocks away and she was taken in for questioning.
Officers said the north bedroom wall where the body was found had just been burned.
One witness said he did not hear any shots because he was asleep. However, Billy Sells said he was awakened by his girlfriend, Diane Hays, saying, "Amy shot him and killed him."
Mr. Sells said when he left his bedroom, Ms. Bates told him they had to burn the house down, but did not say why. She said she needed a ride. Mr. Sells said he noticed the front bedroom was on fire and it took three buckets of water to put it out.
Diane Hays said she heard three gunshots while lying in bed. She said Ms. Bates then came into her bedroom and said, "We've got to get out of here."
Ms. Hays said she went into the front bedroom and saw Rector lying dead on the floor. She also said Ms. Bates told her they needed to burn the house down.
Ms. Hays said she told Ms. Bates she needed to call the police and tell them what she had done, but instead Ms. Bates ran out the back door.