A fatal shooting occurred at a Walmart in North Carolina on Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of a woman. The alleged shooter, 17-year-old Ezekiel Burden of Lumberton, was reportedly aiming at two other individuals he knew, as per local law enforcement.
Burden is currently being pursued by the Lumberton Police Department on charges including first-degree murder and discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear, among other offenses. These charges are in connection with the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Brandy Nicole Olson. Brian Campbell, an 18-year-old, is also wanted for his role as an accessory after the fact. The duo is believed to have fled the scene after the shooting, raising safety concerns among local residents during the holiday shopping season.
According to police reports, the intended victims of the shooting were at the Woodforest Bank located inside the Walmart. Olson, the unfortunate victim, was also in line at the bank when she was shot.
A shopper present at the Lumberton Walmart during the incident managed to capture cellphone footage, which includes the sound of at least six gunshots reverberating from the front of the store near the bank where Olson was shot. The video was later shared on Facebook by Kayleann Brooke, who described the incident as the most terrifying experience of her life.
Another shopper, Steven Rumsey, spoke to a local CBS affiliate, stating that Olson appeared to be trying to escape during the chaos when she was accidentally hit by the gunfire. The Lumberton Police confirmed via Facebook that Olson was checking out when she was fatally struck by the gunfire.
The incident has instilled fear among local residents, with City Councilman John Cantey Jr. reporting a surge in calls from worried citizens about their safety while shopping. Cantey extended his condolences to the victim’s family and acknowledged the fear and tragedy that has enveloped the community during the holiday season.