Victims Identified in Mass Shooting at Fordyce Grocery Store; Suspect Travis Posey Apprehended After Shootout
Fordyce, AR – On the afternoon of Friday, June 21st, the small town of Fordyce was shaken by a tragic mass shooting at its only grocery store, The Mad Butcher. The incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left ten others injured, including two police officers. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Travis Posey from New Edinburg, was apprehended by law enforcement after a shootout. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is now in custody, facing capital murder charges and being held at the Ouachita County Detention Center.
The quiet routine of grocery shopping turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy when Posey opened fire inside the store. Details such as the exact location within the store where the shooting occurred and the type of weapon used remain unclear. However, Arkansas State Police have confirmed that the injuries range from non-life-threatening to critical.
Victims of the Tragedy
Among the victims was Callie Weems, a 23-year-old licensed practical nurse at the Dallas County Medical Center. Her mother, Helen Weems, confirmed to Jecikar news that Callie was shot and killed while grocery shopping at The Mad Butcher. Callie was a devoted mother to her 10-month-old daughter. Helen Weems shared that she has known the suspected shooter, Travis Posey, since he was a child, adding a personal and heartbreaking layer to the tragedy.
Another victim was 63-year-old Shirley Kay Taylor, who was reportedly checking out when she was fatally shot by the gunman. Her daughter, Angela Atchley, described Shirley as a wonderful person who loved her children and grandchildren deeply and had a passion for cooking. “She was the hardest-working woman ever,” Atchley said, emphasizing the loss felt by their family.
The identities of the other victims have not yet been disclosed, but authorities are working to notify the families and provide support. The injured include individuals with a range of injuries, some critical. Among the injured are two police officers who were part of the law enforcement response to the incident.
Community Response and Law Enforcement Action
The Fordyce community is reeling from this senseless act of violence. Local authorities, along with state officials, are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the motives behind the shooting and to ensure justice is served. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and praised the swift action of law enforcement.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic event in Fordyce,” Governor Sanders said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We commend the bravery of our law enforcement officers who risked their lives to apprehend the suspect and prevent further loss of life.”
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The Arkansas State Police are leading the investigation, with support from local agencies. They are piecing together the timeline of events and gathering evidence to build a comprehensive case against Posey.
The community has come together in the aftermath, holding vigils and offering support to the affected families. Mental health professionals have been made available to help residents cope with the emotional aftermath of the shooting.
Impact on the Community
The Mad Butcher, a cornerstone of the Fordyce community, remains closed as the investigation proceeds. This incident has not only shaken the sense of safety in the town but has also highlighted the urgent need for discussions around gun violence and community safety.
For many residents, this tragedy is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities small communities face. The focus now is on healing and supporting those affected while seeking answers and justice for the victims.
As more details emerge, the community hopes for a swift resolution and measures to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again. The strength and resilience of Fordyce will undoubtedly be tested, but the outpouring of support from across the state offers a glimmer of hope in these dark times.
