Shirley Taylor, Callie Weems Obituary, Death: Tragic Shooting at Mad Butcher Grocery Store in Fordyce, Arkansas Claims Four Lives, Including Shirley Taylor, Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, and Ellen Shrum.
A devastating shooting incident occurred at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives and injuring nine others. The Arkansas state police reported that a fourth individual succumbed to their injuries on Saturday night, bringing the total number of fatalities to four. The deceased victims have been identified as Shirley Taylor, 62, Callie Weems, 23, Roy Sturgis, 50, and Ellen Shrum, 81.
The tragic incident unfolded at the Mad Butcher grocery store, situated 104km south of Little Rock, leaving the community in shock and grief. The shooting resulted in 14 individuals being hit by gunfire, including 11 civilians, two law enforcement officers, and the suspect. The injured individuals ranged in age from 20 to 65, with four still hospitalized, including a woman in critical condition.
The injured officers were identified as Fordyce Police Officer James Johnson, 31, who was discharged from the hospital on Saturday, and Stuttgart Police Officer John Hudson, 24, with minor injuries. The suspect, Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg, will face four counts of murder, according to the police.
Posey was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement and was later handed over to police custody and transported to the Ouachita County Detention Centre. The motive behind the shooting has not been disclosed by the police. The Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Posey was being detained at the detention center but had no information regarding legal representation.
The shooting occurred on Friday at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, with Roderick Rogers, a city council member, being one of the first to respond to the scene. Rogers witnessed individuals fleeing in all directions, with one even running to the nearby hospital for safety. “People were just getting into cars to seek refuge,” he remarked.
Videos shared on social media depicted at least one person lying in the parking lot, while another captured the sound of multiple gunshots. Images from reporters at the scene displayed numerous bullet holes in the store’s windows.
The community has come together to mourn the loss of Shirley Taylor, Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, and Ellen Shrum, with their obituaries and memorial services to be announced.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of community support in times of grief. As the investigation continues, the community will come together to pay their respects to the victims and offer support to their families during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Shirley Taylor, Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, and Ellen Shrum. Your memories will be cherished, and your lives will never be forgotten. May your legacy inspire us to be better versions of ourselves and to strive for a world where such tragedies never occur.
