Suspect in Custody After Homicide at St. Mary Manor

By Pam Flynn

Managing Editor

Elnora Ruth Mitchell, 65, was found dead February 24 at St. Mary Manor, an independent living complex for senior citizens operated by the Diocese of Memphis in Jackson, Tennessee. The facility is located at 1771 U.S. 45 Bypass next to St. Mary Church. The complex was built in 1980 and is comprised of 150 apartments.

Jackson police arrested Lawrence Earl Wade, 43, of Jackson early Monday and charged him with felony murder in connection with Mitchell's slaying. Wade and his wife were acquaintances of Mitchell's, and they had visited Mitchell's apartment Friday night, according to a police press release. Police said Wade's wife is not a suspect in Mitchell's death.

A news release from the Jackson Police Department says Mitchell was found dead about 7:24 a.m. Sunday morning by her son, Terrence Mitchell, who had come by the manor to pick her up for church. He called 911 after finding her.

According to the police, Mitchell's death was due to "blunt force injuries whose nature will be determined by autopsy." Wade attacked Mitchell when she refused to give him money, according to police. Police declined to say what Wade allegedly used to beat her.

Jackson Police said they found some of Mitchell's belongings on Wade when they arrested him. Wade was charged with simple assault in another case in November, said police.

The Diocese of Memphis arranged for counselors and priests to be present at the complex "to assist in caring for whatever trauma may have been caused to other residents by Ms. Mitchell's death."

"Bishop J. Terry Steib and the Diocese of Memphis are deeply concerned about the death of Elnora Mitchell, who was a resident at St. Mary Manor," said Father John Geaney, C.S.P., Media Spokesman for the diocese.

"The Bishop has extended both his sympathy and prayers to the Mitchell family and their loved ones."