Fordyce, Arkansas – A tragic incident unfolded late Saturday night as state police confirmed the death of a fourth victim in the Arkansas grocery store shooting. The deceased was identified as Ellen Shrum, 81 years old. The shooting, which took place just after 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, left a total of thirteen people injured, including two law enforcement officers.
Among the victims were three others who lost their lives: Callie Weems, 23; Roy Sturgis, 50; and Shirley Taylor, 62. Seven other individuals, ranging in age from 20 to 65, survived their injuries, with four remaining hospitalized – one in critical condition. One of the injured officers, James Johnson, 31, was released from the hospital on Saturday morning, while the other officer, John Hudson, 24, sustained minor injuries.
The suspect, 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey, was also injured during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement and will face four counts of capital murder. Following treatment for non-life-threatening wounds, Posey was taken into custody by the Arkansas State Police and booked into the Ouachita County Detention Center.
While the motive behind the shooting remains unknown, law enforcement officials have indicated that there are no signs of extremism as a possible motive. Witnesses described the horrific events that unfolded, with some stating that the gunfire began in the grocery store’s parking lot. An employee at Mad Butcher recalled hearing gunshots and breaking glass before finding safety.
Authorities are actively investigating this tragic incident as the community in Fordyce, Arkansas, mourns the loss of the victims and continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting.