June 23rd 2024.
The days leading up to her tragic death were filled with pure joy for Callie Weems. As a new mother to her 10-month-old daughter, Ivy, she was completely enamored with her little bundle of joy. According to her mother, Helen Browning, 53, Weems couldn't get enough of her daughter's playful antics and curious nature. In a phone interview on Sunday, Browning fondly reminisced about her daughter's infectious laughter and how she brought so much light into their lives. Little did they know, these precious moments would soon be overshadowed by a senseless act of violence.
Weems was among the four innocent victims who lost their lives when a gunman opened fire at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas. The tragedy struck on Friday, and authorities reported that there were also 10 other injured individuals, including the gunman. Just an hour before the shooting, Weems had excitedly shared with her mother that Ivy had allowed her to sleep in until 9 a.m. that morning. Browning couldn't help but tease her daughter about feeling like a new mom all over again. Little did she know that it would be their last conversation.
The heartbreaking incident occurred when 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey of New Edinburg entered the Mad Butcher store and started shooting. Chaos ensued as bystanders ducked and scrambled for cover while Posey continued to fire his weapon, leaving a trail of destruction behind. But amidst the chaos, Weems, a nurse, bravely put her life on the line to help another gunshot victim. She showed immense selflessness and courage, which was recognized by Arkansas State Police Director, Mike Hagar, during a news conference.
The state police reported that a total of 14 people were shot, including 11 civilians, two law enforcement officers, and the gunman himself. This was yet another tragic mass shooting to occur in the United States, with the most recent incidents taking place in 2022 and 2021. Unfortunately, the motive behind Posey's actions is still unclear, and he did not appear to have any personal connection with the victims. He was armed with a shotgun, a pistol, and extra rounds of ammunition, and he used his shotgun to shoot at people in the parking lot before entering the store and firing at customers and employees.
Authorities were quick to respond to the scene, and Posey was eventually taken into custody after exchanging gunfire with the police. However, the damage had already been done, and four innocent lives were lost, including Weems. For Browning, the pain was amplified by the fact that she also knew another victim, Roy Sturgis, 50, who was a part of her extended family. She described him as a simple man who lived a simple life and was a loving father to his daughter. The other victims were identified as Shirley Taylor, 62, and Ellen Shrum, 81.
Taylor was known for her caring nature and her love for crocheting. Her daughter, Angela Atchley, shared with KTHV in Little Rock, Arkansas, that she was the rock of their family. The entire city of Fordyce, which has a population of about 3,200 people, was deeply affected by the tragic shooting. City council member, Roderick Rogers, described the scene as a war zone when he arrived at the grocery store after receiving a distress call. He witnessed the gunman firing "like crazy" in the parking lot, and the residents were terrified for their safety.
The wounded victims ranged from 20 to 65 years old, and four of them were still in the hospital, with one woman in critical condition. As for Posey, he is currently in custody at the Ouachita County Detention Center and will be charged with four counts of capital murder, according to police. It was a challenging and personal experience for the officers and deputies who responded to the scene, as they knew both the shooter and the victims. The entire community was shaken, and they are now focused on healing and finding a sense of safety once again.
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