A shooting rampage at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas left four people dead, with an additional victim succumbing to injuries on Saturday. Shoppers at the Mad Butcher grocery store recalled hearing gunshots just before 11:30 a.m. as suspected gunman Travis Eugene Posey opened fire in the store. The incident caused panic among the shoppers, with many seeking shelter in freezers. A mother of two, Katrina Doherty, described the terrifying experience of huddling in a freezer with her children as the shots rang out.
The group of shoppers remained in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes until law enforcement arrived at the scene. Posey, armed with a long gun, continued to fire in multiple directions in the parking lot before being shot by police officers. He is set to face four counts of capital murder charges, with additional charges pending. Posey was treated for injuries and is currently in custody at the Ouachita County Detention Center, awaiting his court appearance. The victims of the shooting included Shirley Taylor, Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, and Ellen Shrum, who passed away on Saturday.
Callie Weems, a nurse at Dallas County Medical Center and a mother, was killed during the shooting while grocery shopping. Family and friends remembered her as a dedicated caregiver and loving parent. Weems’ mother, Helen Browning, expressed her grief over losing her daughter and another family member in the tragic incident. Roy Sturgis was also honored by his family in an online obituary, with his daughter being his pride and joy. Shirley Taylor’s daughter described her mother as a great woman who did not deserve such a fate.
The shooting also left nine people injured, ranging in age from 20 to 65. Some of the injured individuals remain hospitalized, with one woman in critical condition at UAMS in Little Rock. Three civilians have been released from the Dallas County Medical Center following treatment for their injuries. In addition to civilian casualties, two police officers were wounded during the incident. James Johnson and John Hudson both sustained injuries but have since been treated and released.
The devastating impact of the shooting reached beyond the victims and survivors, affecting families, friends, and the community at large. Browning echoed the sentiments of many as she questioned why the shooter decided to carry out such a violent act that led to loss and suffering. The tragedy has sparked grief, anger, and calls for justice as the community comes to terms with the senseless violence that shattered the lives of those affected by the grocery store shooting in Fordyce, Arkansas. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the survivors will navigate their loss and mourn those who were taken too soon in the tragic incident.
