Callie Weems : “Nurse Killed in Arkansas Shooting”

Callie Weems was enjoying her new role as a mother in the months leading up to the tragic incident where she was fatally shot at a grocery store in Arkansas. Her daughter Ivy, who is now 10 months old, brought immense joy and amazement to Weems, according to her mother, Helen Browning, 53. In a phone interview on Sunday, Browning reminisced about her daughter and the memories they shared.

Tragically, Weems, 23, was one of four individuals who lost their lives in the shooting at the Mad Butcher store in Fordyce, Arkansas, on Friday. The incident also left 11 others injured, including the alleged gunman. Just an hour before the shooting, Weems was delighted that Ivy had allowed her to sleep until 9 a.m. that morning.

“‘I bet you feel like a new mom,'” Browning recalled texting back to her daughter. Little did she know that it would be their final conversation before the senseless act of violence unfolded.

Reports from Arkansas State Police Director Mike Hagar indicated that Weems, who worked as a nurse, tragically lost her life while assisting another gunshot victim during the chaos.

According to Hagar, instead of fleeing the store, Weems selflessly stopped to provide aid to others, showcasing an extraordinary act of bravery. The tragic event also claimed the lives of three other individuals, with a total of 15 people sustaining gunshot wounds, including civilians and law enforcement officers.

This heartbreaking incident marks at least the third mass shooting at a U.S. grocery store in recent years, shedding light on the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country.

Posey’s motive for the shooting remains unclear, as he seemingly had no personal connection to the victims. Armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a pistol, and additional shotgun rounds, Posey unleashed a wave of gunfire at innocent bystanders in the store’s parking lot before continuing inside and firing indiscriminately.

Despite the rapid response of Fordyce police and Dallas County sheriff’s deputies, Posey engaged in a shootout with law enforcement before being apprehended.

For Browning, the tragedy hits even closer to home as she grieves the loss of Roy Sturgis, 50, who was also a victim of the shooting. Sturgis, a logger and a devoted father, was part of Browning’s extended family.

With additional victims identified as Shirley Taylor, 62, and Ellen Shrum, 81, the community mourns the loss of these individuals, each with their own unique stories and contributions.

Shirley Taylor, remembered for her nurturing care for her diabetic husband and her passion for crocheting, was described by her daughter, Angela Atchley, as the family’s pillar of strength.

“Like a war zone”

The city of Fordyce, with a population of approximately 3,200 people, is grappling with the aftermath of the shooting, as described by city council member Roderick Rogers. The harrowing events unfolded like a war zone, with the gunman unleashing chaos and fear among residents.

Witnesses, including David Rodriguez, recount the horror and confusion that ensued as the shooting erupted, leaving many in shock and disbelief. Rodriguez captured the aftermath on his cell phone, highlighting the devastation and trauma experienced by those present.

Ken Vanderzwalm, a former police officer working nearby, opened his doors to those seeking refuge, providing a safe haven for individuals, including children, who were traumatized by the events. The tight-knit community is now focused on supporting the victims still recovering in hospitals and ensuring the safety and security of residents.

As the investigation unfolds and the community grapples with the aftermath, the selfless actions of individuals like Weems, who sacrificed their own safety to help others, serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience and compassion within humanity.

The wounds inflicted by this tragedy will take time to heal, but the strength and unity displayed by the community in the face of adversity offer hope for a brighter future.

As the nation mourns the lives lost and the impact of gun violence on communities, it is crucial to reflect on the need for meaningful action to prevent such senseless tragedies from recurring.