Richard Timothy Ward: Mississippi Homicide Investigation Leads to Florida Deputy-Involved Shooting

Richard Timothy Ward was shot by deputies in Pensacola, Florida, after being sought in connection with two deaths at a Long Beach, Mississippi, home.

Two Women Found Dead at Long Beach, Mississippi, Home

Authorities in Mississippi and Florida are investigating a case involving two women found dead at a residence in Long Beach, Mississippi, and an armed confrontation that followed in Pensacola, Florida.

The investigation began Friday morning, November 13, 2026, when Long Beach police responded to a reported shooting at a home on Lantana Boulevard. Officers arrived at approximately 10:15 a.m. and discovered 84-year-old Doris Crimmins and her 63-year-old daughter, Kimberly Hernandez, inside the residence.

Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer reportedly said Crimmins owned the home and had been receiving hospice care for cardiac issues. Her death appeared to be from natural causes, although an autopsy was planned. Hernandez’s death, by contrast, is being investigated as a homicide.

Authorities identified Richard Timothy Ward as a suspect in the investigation. He was identified as Crimmins’ son and Hernandez’s brother.

Search Leads Authorities to Pensacola, Florida

Investigators traced a vehicle believed to be connected to the Mississippi case to Pensacola. Information was shared with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol, leading officers to the Sweet Dreams Inn on Plantation Road, where Ward was believed to be staying.

At approximately 2:15 p.m. Friday, deputies approached Ward at the motel. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said Ward produced a firearm and was ordered repeatedly to drop or put away the weapon. Authorities allege that he fired at deputies, prompting three deputies to return fire and strike him.

Ward was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No deputies were injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the deputy-involved shooting, a separate inquiry from the homicide investigation in Mississippi.

Investigation Into the Deaths of Doris Crimmins and Kimberly Hernandez

The two deaths are being investigated separately. Coroner Brian Switzer said Crimmins had been receiving hospice care and appeared to have died from natural causes, although an autopsy was planned to establish the cause. Hernandez’s death is being treated as a homicide.

Long Beach Police Chief Billy Seal described the incident as domestic-related. Investigators have not publicly released a complete account of what happened inside the home or established all the circumstances surrounding Hernandez’s death.

Two Investigations Continue Across State Lines

The case now involves law enforcement agencies in Mississippi and Florida. Long Beach detectives are continuing to investigate Hernandez’s death, while Florida authorities are examining the circumstances of the shooting involving deputies.

Ward survived the confrontation and was taken to hospital. His medical condition has not been publicly confirmed in the reports reviewed. An Escambia County jail record subsequently listed a Richard Timothy Ward in custody on a homicide-related charge, although the booking record alone does not establish guilt or the outcome of the Mississippi investigation.

For the families and loved ones of Doris Crimmins and Kimberly Hernandez, the events have brought sudden grief and unanswered questions. Authorities have not announced a final determination about Crimmins’ death or completed the investigation into Hernandez’s killing.

Disclaimer

Richard Timothy Ward is identified by authorities as a suspect in the Long Beach homicide investigation. The allegations against him have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The coroner reportedly believed Crimmins’ death appeared natural, but an autopsy was pending. Hernandez’s death is being investigated as a homicide. The deputy-involved shooting in Pensacola is a separate investigation, and Ward’s current medical condition has not been confirmed in the available reports.