In the state of Arkansas, a massive shooting incident occurred at a grocery store, resulting in multiple fatalities. On Sunday (June 23), authorities revealed that among the deceased was a 23-year-old nurse who tragically lost her life while trying to treat another victim.
The nurse, Callie Weems, who had just given birth to her daughter Ivy 10 months ago, showed great courage and selflessness during the shooting. Arkansas State Police Chief Mike Hagar described her actions as incredibly altruistic, stating that instead of fleeing the store, she chose to stop and provide assistance.
Last Friday (June 21) shortly before noon, the shooter opened fire with a shotgun at the Mad Butcher grocery store in the town of Fordyce, resulting in 4 deaths, including himself as the suspect, and 11 injuries. Fordyce is a small town with a population of 3,200, located about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of Little Rock.
Authorities reported that the 44-year-old suspect, Travis Eugene Posey, was also injured during the exchange of gunfire with law enforcement and is facing 4 counts of murder charges.
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Callie’s father, Tommy Weems, mentioned that three generations of their family have been nurses. Callie, who was known by her nickname “Woodrow” due to her love of horseback riding, was deeply immersed in the joys of new motherhood when tragedy struck.
Callie’s 53-year-old mother, Helen Browning, shared in an interview that her granddaughter Ivy, now 10 months old, continues to bring joy and surprises, despite the heartbreaking loss.
Just an hour before the shooting, Callie had sent her mother a message lamenting about her daughter allowing her to sleep until 9 a.m. that day, demonstrating the normal joys and struggles of being a new mother.
This poignant communication turned out to be their final conversation.
Chief Hagar reiterated on Sunday that Callie, being a nurse, lost her life while aiding another shooting victim.
“She did not flee the store but chose to render assistance. This is the most selfless act I have ever seen,” he stated at a press conference.
Hagar described how the shooter initially began firing in the parking lot and then indiscriminately inside the store, causing chaos and panic as onlookers scrambled for safety. The assailant was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and a handgun, along with a bandolier loaded with dozens of shotgun shells, predominantly using shotgun ammunition during the assault.
“In this incident, we witnessed the best and worst of human nature,” Hagar reflected, praising the bravery of six officers who put themselves in harm’s way between the shooter and civilians.
Two officers sustained injuries during the incident. A total of 15 people were shot on Friday, including 12 civilians, two law enforcement officers, and the gunman Posey.
In addition to Callie, the other victims included Shirley Taylor, 62; Roy Sturgis, 50; and Ellen Shrum, 81. The survivors ranged in age from 20 to 65.
Authorities stated on Sunday that Posey’s motive remains unclear, as he apparently had no personal relationship with any of the victims.
Officers from the Fordyce Police and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office arrived within minutes, engaged in a firefight with Posey as he exited the store, ultimately subduing him by using gunfire and taking him into custody.