Fordyce, AR — A tragic escalation in gun violence struck the small town of Fordyce, Arkansas last Friday when a gunman opened fire inside the local Mad Butcher grocery store, resulting in four fatalities and several injuries. The assailant, identified as 44-year-old Travis Posey, is now facing multiple charges, including four counts of capital murder.
The incident unfolded at approximately 11:38 a.m. on June 21, catching shoppers and employees off guard. In total, fourteen individuals were hit by gunfire, according to Arkansas State Police. Among those killed were Shirley Taylor, 62; Callie Weems, 23; Roy Sturgis, 50; and Ellen Shrum, 81. Their deaths have left the community reeling, struggling to comprehend the sudden loss.
In the chaos, seven other civilians sustained gunshot wounds, with victims’ ages ranging from 20 to 65. Two police officers caught in the crossfire also sustained injuries. Officer James Johnson, 31, from Fordyce, was treated and released, while Stuttgart Police Officer John Hudson, 24, received minor injuries and continues to recover.
Authorities rushed Posey to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement. He was later transferred to Ouachita County Det Hailey, Flaunting Pig BBQ in nearby Camden started a fundraiser aimed at providing support for affected families. This act of community solidarity reflects an all-too-common narrative where small towns gather to heal after being rocked by such senseless acts.
The motives behind Posey’s violent outbreak remain unclear as state police continue their meticulous investigation. This recent tragedy marks the second mass shooting in Arkansas this month alone, illustrating a disturbing rise in such incidents statewide.
Local residents and family members of the victims have been vocal in expressing their grief and recounting the virtues of their loved ones. Angela Atchley, daughter of Shirley Taylor, described her mother as the family’s cornerstone, praising her love for crocheting and her caring nature. Friends and family also paid tribute to Roy Sturgis, remembered as a hardworking and kind-hearted individual, and Ellen Shrum, who was celebrated for her lifelong dedication to floral artistry.
Callie Weems, a nurse and young mother, was mourned by her family as a compassionate individual always ready to help others, even to her detriment.
As Fordyce confronts this devastating event, the community’s resilience is being tested. The Mad Butcher grocery store announced a temporary closure to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, underscoring the profound impact the shooting has had on local business and community life.
This incident has sparked further discussions about gun control, mental health, and safety regulations in public spaces, as small towns across America increasingly find themselves at the forefront of national debates on how to prevent such tragedies in the future.