Callie Weems, Shirley Kay Taylor Deaths: Obituary, Travis Posey Charged with Capital Murder in Fordyce Grocery Store Shooting
Callie Weems, 23, and Shirley Kay Taylor, 63, were killed in a mass shooting at Fordyce’s only grocery store, The Mad Butcher, on Friday, June 21. Ten others were injured, including two police officers. The suspect, 44-year-old Travis Posey of New Edinburg, was apprehended after a shootout and is facing capital murder charges.
The mass shooting occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time at The Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, about 70 miles south of Little Rock. Arkansas State Police Director Mike Hagar reported that the lone suspect, Travis Posey, was involved in the shooting. A total of 11 civilians and two police officers were shot, with some victims critically injured.
Callie Weems, a 23-year-old licensed practical nurse at the Dallas County Medical Center and mother of a 10-month-old daughter, was fatally shot while grocery shopping at Mad Butcher. Her mother, Helen Weems, confirmed the tragic news and revealed that she had known the suspected shooter, Travis Posey, since he was a child.
Shirley Kay Taylor, 63, was also killed in the mass shooting. Her daughter, Angela Atchley, described her mother as a wonderful person who loved her children, grandchildren, and cooking. Taylor was reportedly checking out when she was fatally shot by the gunman.
Travis Posey, the suspected shooter, was taken into custody and treated for non-life-threatening injuries after a shootout with law enforcement. He is being held at the Ouachita County Detention Center and will be charged with three counts of capital murder, with additional charges pending.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement on the tragic shooting in Fordyce, praising law enforcement and first responders for their quick and heroic actions in saving lives. The incident has left the community shaken, with many recalling the traumatic experience. The White House also issued a statement, acknowledging the tragic event and commending law enforcement for their swift response.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have not disclosed whether the shooting occurred inside or outside the store. The incident has drawn comparisons to recent mass shootings at grocery stores in Buffalo and Boulder.
As the community mourns the loss of Callie Weems and Shirley Kay Taylor, their families and friends are left to grapple with the tragedy. The victims’ loved ones have described them as wonderful individuals who were loved by their children, grandchildren, and community.
The investigation into the mass shooting is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The community remains in shock, and the incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence.
