FORDYCE, Ark. — A mass shooting killed four people and wounded 11 others, including two police officers, at a Fordyce grocery store on Friday, June 21.
Arkansas State Police said the suspected shooter, 44-year-old Travis Posey of New Edinburg, was taken into custody and treated for non-life-threatening injuries after a shootout with law enforcement.
The shooting happened at the Mad Butcher, Fordyce's only grocery store.
Posey will be charged with four counts of capital murder and 10 counts of attempted capital murder. He is being held at the Ouachita County Detention Center and pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance.
"It's tragic, and our hearts are broken," Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said. "Our prayers, along with Governor Sanders and the entire state of Arkansas, will be with this community and those affected victims."
Authorities say they believe the gunman first began shooting outside in the parking lot of the Mad Butcher grocery store before making his way inside and shooting more.
Posey was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and a pistol, using a bandolier that held dozens of extra shotgun rounds. Police believe a majority of the rounds fired were from the shotgun.
"We will never understand why this happens," Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl said. "To the families of the victims, my heartfelt prayers and utmost sorrows are extended. I ask that all of you pray for them as they navigate this extremely difficult time."
Five women and three men, ranging from 20 to 65 years old, survived injuries sustained in the shooting, according to the Arkansas State Police. As of 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, five of those people remain in the hospital, including one woman who is at UAMS in critical condition.
Three of the victims who were injured were treated and released from the Dallas County Medical Center on Friday.
The two police officers injured in the incident received treatment and were released from the hospital. A different officer sustained injuries unrelated to the shooting as he gave aid to another injured person after the incident had ended.
The Fordyce community came together on Sunday, June 23, to honor the victims with a candlelight vigil across the street from the Mad Butcher grocery store.
Here's what we know about the murdered victims so far:
Callie Weems
23-year-old Callie Weems was shot and killed while grocery shopping at the Mad Butcher, Callie's mother, Helen, confirmed to us. Callie Weems has a 10-month-old daughter and worked as a licensed practical nurse at the Dallas County Medical Center.
According to Arkansas State Police, Callie was fatally shot while giving aid to another gunshot victim in what one trooper described as "one of the most selfless acts he had ever seen."
Shirley Kay Taylor
63-year-old Shirley Kay Taylor was killed during the mass shooting, confirmed through her daughter Angela Atchley. Taylor was reportedly checking out when the gunman fatally shot her.
Atchley told us her mother was a great person who loved her kids and grandchildren and loved to cook.
"She was the hardest working woman ever," Atchley said.
Roy Sturgis
50-year-old Roy Sturgis was shot at the Mad Butcher grocery store and later died from his injuries at the Dallas County Medical Center in Fordyce, Arkansas State police confirmed. Sturgis was reportedly shot while trying to save others.
Friends and family of Sturgis praised his "bravery and courage," with one saying they will "never forget his valor." A former classmate said Sturgis was a good man, a hard worker, and a great father.
Ellen Shrum
81-year-old Ellen Shrum died from injuries sustained in the grocery store mass shooting in Fordyce, Arkansas State Police confirmed on Saturday, June 22. Shrum was reportedly shopping for groceries to make meals for those in need when she was shot.
Sanders said she spoke to Shrum's family, who want her to be remembered for the "light and the joy she brought to so many."
We will update this story with more information as it becomes available.
