FORDYCE, Ark. — A mass shooting at a Fordyce grocery store has left a community in shambles after more than a dozen people were shot on Friday, June 21.
Here's everything we know so far about the incident.
What happened?
In total, 15 people were shot, including two local police officers and the suspect who opened fire at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce around 11:38 a.m. on Friday.
Four people were killed, and 11 others were wounded. Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said the two police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Additionally, Hagar said the situation is "secure and contained," as the shooter is in custody.
"It's tragic, and our hearts are broken," Hagar said. "Our prayers, along with Governor Sanders and the entire state of Arkansas, will be with this community and those affected victims."
Fordyce is a city of about 3,200 people located 65 miles (104 kilometers) south of Little Rock.
Videos posted on social media showed at least one person lying in the parking lot, while another captured multiple gunshots ringing out.
58-year-old David Rodriguez, who captured one of the viral social media videos, had stopped at a local gas station in Fordyce when he thought he heard fireworks from a nearby vendor.
"We heard a few little pops," Rodriguez said.
He said people then started to run from the Mad Butcher grocery store into the parking lot, which is when he pulled out his phone and started recording.
"The police started to show up," Rodriguez said. "Then there was massive gunfire and ambulances pulling up... the bullets were just flying."
Our reporters went to the scene and reported seeing a slew of bullet holes in the grocery store's window. One person even said they hid in a freezer to protect themselves.
It's the latest mass shooting to happen at a grocery store since a white supremacist killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket in 2022. That shooting came a little more than a year after one at a Boulder, Colo., supermarket, where 10 people were killed.
Who is the shooter?
Arkansas State Police confirmed that there was one shooter, 44-year-old Travis Posey of New Edinburg.
Posey is in custody and will be charged with four counts of capital murder and 10 counts of attempted capital murder. Arkansas State Police said Posey was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement.
He is being held at the Ouachita County Detention Center.
Police said Posey was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and a pistol, using a bandolier that held dozens of extra shotgun rounds. They also believe a majority of the rounds fired were from the shotgun.
While the motive is still unknown, police have said Posey did not appear to have a personal connection to any of the victims or the grocery store.
Posey made his first appearance in an Ouachita County courtroom on Tuesday, June 25, where he pleaded not guilty. He is facing life in prison or the death penalty and will stay in the Ouachita County Jail due to "safety concerns."
All of Posey's future court appearances will be in Dallas County. According to Posey's attorney, he evoked his right to stay silent.
Hagar said Arkansas State Police will serve as the primary investigating agency. They've communicated with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has "committed any resources needed" to aid the investigation.
Sanders said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she's been briefed on the situation and her "prayers are with the victims and those impacted."
"I have been briefed on the tragic shooting in Fordyce, and I'm in constant contact with state police at the scene," Sanders said. "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 horrific incident."
Who are the victims?
Fourteen civilians were shot, with four turning fatal. The two police officers who were shot received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and were released from the hospital.
"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."
According to Arkansas State Police, five women and two men, ranging from 20 to 65 years old, survived injuries sustained in the shooting.
Below is what we know about the murdered victims.
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."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Arkansas State Police at (870) 850-8639.
We will update this story with more information as it becomes available. The Associated Press contributed to this story.