LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – An Arkansas grocery store turned into a scene of chaos as a gunman opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of four individuals and injuring nine others. Panicked bystanders sought cover as bullets flew, leaving cars riddled with bullet holes.
The Arkansas state police confirmed on Saturday that a fourth victim had succumbed to their injuries. Among the 14 individuals hit by gunfire were 11 civilians, two law enforcement officers, and the suspected shooter, identified as Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg.
The deceased victims were named as Shirley Taylor, 62, Callie Weems, 23, Roy Sturgis, 50, and Ellen Shrum, 81, all civilians. The injured individuals, ranging from 20 to 65 years old, included a woman in critical condition who was among the four still hospitalized.
Law enforcement officers identified as Fordyce Police Officer James Johnson, 31, and Stuttgart Police Officer John Hudson, 24, also sustained injuries during the incident. Posey is set to face four counts of capital murder and had exchanged gunfire with authorities before being taken into custody.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with authorities scheduling a media briefing for updates. The tragic event occurred at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, a city south of Little Rock, where witnesses described chaotic scenes of people seeking safety in every direction.
The incident marks another tragic instance of gun violence, highlighting the ongoing issue of mass shootings in public places. The community is left reeling from the senseless act of violence, prompting a demand for answers and solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.