Authorities Search For Suspect That Shot And Killed One, Injured Another

March 6, 2009

The Atmore Police Department is investigating a murder that left a 19-year old woman dead and a 26-year old man with serious injuries.

Atmore Police were called to the McRae Apartments at 10:18 Thursday night.

“Upon arriving at the scene officers found two gunshot victims inside the residence,” Glenn Carlee, Atmore public safety director, said.

Carlee said officers from the Atmore Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at the residence of Alice Evans located at 607 McRae Street, Apt. C-2. Upon arriving at the scene officers found two gunshot victims inside the residence.

Police say Marquetta A. Washington, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance personnel. Washington was the daughter of Alice Evans and living at the residence with her mother.

Family members tell NorthEscambia.com that Washington was a few months pregnant.

Tony Hudson, 26, was suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest. He was transported to Atmore Community Hospital and later transferred to University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. Atmore Police say Hudson is believed to be a friend of Ms. Washington.

perdue.jpgCarlee said Ferrell Purdue, 44, has been named as a person of interest in this case. Purdue (pictured left) may be living at the address of a relative on Lamar Circle in Bay Minette, Ala. The suspect left the scene in a gray or silver Dodge Charger. Police say Perdue also owns a red Mustang with racing stripes.

“It is believed that Ferrell Purdue has been in a relationship with Alice Evans and that Ms. Evans was attempting to end such relationship,” Carlee said. “Evidence indicates that Ferrell Purdue forced himself inside the residence by breaking a window in the front living room area of the apartment, then entered thought the broken window and shot Tony Hudson and Marquetta Washington at close range with a long barrel gun. Alice Evans was in the house at the time of the break-in but escaped unharmed through the same window Purdue had broken. Her daughter Marquetta Washington was found in her bedroom and Tony Hudson was found in the living/dinning room area. Mr. Hudson was listed in stable but critical condition at the time of transfer. The body of Marquetta Washington will be turned over to the Department of Forensic Science in Mobile for examination.”

Officers from the Atmore Police Department, Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office, and Poarch Tribal Police responded to the call. The Alabama Bureau of Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigations sent agents to assist with the crime scene. Investigators will meet with District Attorney Steve Billy Friday morning to obtain felony warrants on Ferrell Purdue. Anyone who knows the location of Ferrell Purdue should contact the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141 or your local law enforcement agency.

Pictured: Ferrell Purdue, 44, a suspect in a Thursday night Atmore murder. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.

Comments

8 Responses to “Authorities Search For Suspect That Shot And Killed One, Injured Another”

  1. Kierra L. Williams on March 19th, 2009 12:57 pm

    It seem so fake but i know that you are in a better place….. Y did you have to leave like this……. God makes no mistakes…. RIP i love you marquetta

  2. Helen on March 14th, 2009 5:46 pm

    My heart goes out to the families involved in such a tragic incident. I know that the mother will forever live with the guilt of being involved with someone who could commit such violence. I have known Ferrell and his family for a lot of years, but haven’t seen him since he was a young boy. I would have never thought that he could have done such a cruel act towards another human being.

    My thoughts and prayers are with Ferrell’s mother, Hula and her family, the Hudson family, Ms, Evans and Marquetta’s other family members.

    Domestic violence is the number one killer of women in America. It makes sense that when a person realizes that their partner has a potential to become violent or have uncontrollable anger; it’s time to let go of that relationship. It’s my understanding that Ms. Evans was trying to end the relationship, but refused to relinquish the furniture that Ferrell purchased for her while they lived together. He became extremely angry about it and sought revenge on her. He allowed to devil to fill his head with thoughts of murder and he finally acted out on it. How can he explain his actions to our Father in Heaven? Forgiveness would have set him free. He would be alive and so would Marquetta and Mr. Hudson wouldn’t be fighting for his life in the hospital today. This is a sad occasion!!

  3. whitney on March 10th, 2009 2:08 pm

    My heart goes out to the victim’s family. R.I.P Marquetta. I know you will be missed.

  4. Mrs. McCarthy on March 8th, 2009 1:50 pm

    I’m a tad bit confused…How is it that the mother was able to escape the same window that he entered through and not be harmed. It just seems to me that she and the gunman would have had to cross paths and if he was enraged enough to kill Marquetta, her un-born child and attempt to kill the child’s father…Why wouldn’t he shoot her??? Futhermore, I agree with WIFEYSOMEDAY, what mother would leave her baby and grandbaby to be killed?

  5. Chareese on March 7th, 2009 11:21 am

    Marquetta was a childhood friend of mine! I was so shocked to hear this had happened. Some people have no heart. Taking someone’s life solves nothing.
    I’m praying for Ms. Alice and her family. And Tony’s family aswell!
    I love you Quetta! Miss u girl!

  6. Kim on March 6th, 2009 3:15 pm

    Domestic Violence is such a horrible thing! It is so sad that an innocent child was the victim of such a horrific act of violence!

  7. AW on March 6th, 2009 2:07 pm

    This is so sad. My heart goes out to the victim’s families. Satan is so busy in our world right now.

  8. WIFEYSOMEDAY on March 6th, 2009 1:38 pm

    I’m not sure of the circumstances leading up to this tragedy, BUT as a mother, I CAN NOT believe that a mother would leave the residence during an altercation like that. My motherly instinct would not have allowed me to leave my child @ a time like that. God rest her soul.