Hiram, GA – A tragic incident unfolded at a Walmart Super Center in Hiram, Georgia, on Wednesday evening, leaving two individuals dead in what authorities believe to be a murder-suicide. The victims, a young man and woman who had previously been in a relationship, were found with gunshot wounds and later pronounced dead at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. at the Walmart located at 4166 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway. Hiram Police Chief Mike Turner emphasized that this was not an active shooter situation but rather a tragic event involving two individuals who knew each other. The male victim is believed to have been the assailant, and the female victim his target.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate transportation to the hospital, both individuals succumbed to their injuries. The identities of the victims have not been released as authorities are still in the process of notifying the next of kin.
The incident sent shockwaves through the store, with shoppers scrambling for safety as shots rang out. One witness, Devani Lopez, recounted the terrifying moment, describing a scene of panic and fear as everyone ran for their lives.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Walmart issued a statement expressing their heartbreak over the incident. The company assured that their priority is the safety of their associates and customers, and the store will remain closed while they cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation.
This incident adds to a series of shootings that have occurred at Walmart locations in recent years, including a mass shooting in Chesapeake, Virginia, last year that left seven people dead, including the shooter.