Fordyce, Arkansas – Four people lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries, including two police officers, after a gunman opened fire outside a grocery store on Friday morning. Law enforcement authorities arrived at the scene in response to calls reporting the shooting at Mad Butcher grocery store around 11:40 a.m. Director of the Arkansas State Police, Mike Hagar, confirmed that the shooter was taken into custody following an exchange of gunfire with officers.
Initially, reports stated that three individuals were killed and 10 were injured, including the aforementioned police officers whose injuries were not life-threatening. Unfortunately, one of the wounded individuals succumbed to their injuries on Saturday evening, raising the death toll to four. The victims of the tragic incident were identified as Shirley Taylor, 62, Callie Weems, 23, Roy Sturgis, 50, and Ellen Shrum, 81.
The suspected gunman, identified as Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg, Arkansas, approximately 11 miles southeast of Fordyce, will face four counts of capital murder charges. The authorities have indicated that additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Nancy Brazil, along with her parents, found themselves caught in the crossfire as they were on their way to the grocery store. Her father sustained a minor injury after a bullet grazed his forehead, but fortunately, neither of her parents suffered severe harm. Brazil expressed her profound relief that her parents survived the harrowing ordeal unscathed.
Arkansas Governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, expressed her gratitude on social media towards the first responders for their swift and courageous actions in saving lives during the incident. She extended her thoughts and prayers to the victims and all those affected by the tragic events in Fordyce.
The small town of Fordyce, with a population of slightly over 3,700, remains in shock as the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting. As authorities work to unravel the details surrounding the motive behind the attack, residents come to terms with the stark reality that such violence has touched their peaceful town.