Fordyce customers on high alert after mass shooting at grocery store

FORDYCE, Arkansas – In the days following the shooting at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, the community has become quiet.

“I think a lot of people aren’t ready to come out yet. Eventually they will, but not now. I think it’s put a lot of fear in people,” said a Fordyce resident who shops at Walmart.

A total of 14 people were injured by gunfire on Friday, including eleven civilians, two police officers and the suspect.

Four people were killed in the shooting.

The four dead are 62-year-old Shirley Taylor, 23-year-old Callie Weems, 50-year-old Roy Sturgis and 81-year-old Ellen Shrum.

Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Additional charges are pending.

“I don’t understand how someone can freak out like that,” said the buyer.

The Mad Butcher building is riddled with dozens of bullet holes and broken glass scattered across the parking lot.

The store is temporarily closed because of the shooting. A sign hangs on the store that reads, “Please pray for our community.”

Other than the Mad Butcher, there aren’t many places in town to buy groceries.

Many Fordyce residents said they were extremely cautious while shopping because of the shooting.

“There is a very spooky atmosphere in Fordyce at the moment,” said one buyer.

The mass shooting at the grocery store has caused fear among customers.

One buyer says she is afraid because “sometimes there are copycats. So we just pray there are no copycats.”

Even in tragic times, the love for one another in this small community is great and they do not allow themselves to be discouraged.

“It’s terrible what happened, but you know what? God will take care of it. It’s in God’s hands,” the buyer said.