(Buzztimes24) – Travis Eugene Posey faces charges of capital murder following a harrowing incident at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, which unfolded tragically on a Friday afternoon and resulted in the death of a fourth victim on Saturday.
The shooting, which took place in the early afternoon, sent shockwaves through the community located approximately 70 miles south of Little Rock. According to Arkansas State Police, the rampage claimed the lives of four individuals: 23-year-old Callie Weems, 50-year-old Roy Sturgis, 62-year-old Shirley Taylor, and 81-year-old Ellen Shrum. Eight others, including two law enforcement officers, sustained injuries in the chaotic scene, with several victims requiring hospitalization. As of the latest reports, one woman remains in critical condition while others have been treated and released.
Travis Eugene Posey, a 44-year-old resident of New Edinburg, was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement officers after being wounded in an exchange of gunfire. Following medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, Posey was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Ouachita County Detention Center. Authorities have formally charged him with three counts of capital murder, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses.
In response to the tragic events, Houchens Food Group, the Kentucky-based company that owns Mad Butcher, announced the temporary closure of the store to facilitate ongoing investigations. The company expressed profound sadness over the incident and assured full cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been briefed on the situation, emphasizing support for the affected community and ongoing efforts to ensure justice is served. Meanwhile, the FBI has deployed resources to assist local and state authorities in their comprehensive investigation of the shooting.
I have been briefed on the tragic shooting in Fordyce, and I’m in constant contact with State Police at the scene. I am thankful to law enforcement and first responders for their quick and heroic action to save lives. My prayers are with the victims and all those impacted by this…
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) June 21, 2024
At the national level, the White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident and is monitoring developments closely. Administration officials pledged continued support to local and state agencies as they work to unravel the circumstances surrounding this devastating act of violence.
