Eight people were killed in a mass shooting in Mississippi , the United States, overnight on Saturday, with police saying a suspect is now in custody.

The shooting occurred at three separate homes on Saturday night in Lincoln County, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesman Warren Strain told AP. Among the dead is a Lincoln County deputy sheriff.

Local media have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Willie Cory Godbolt, although there has been no official confirmation.

It is said he was apprehended after the incident and may have taken a 16-year-old as hostage for a period of time prior to his arrest. The teen is believed to be unharmed.

The motivation of the shooting has not been immediately clear.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to CGTN for more updates.