Articles Posted in Security Negligence

Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, Shirley Taylor, Ellen Shrum: Justice for Families? Fatally Injured in Fordyce, AR Grocery Store Shooting; Multiple Others Injured. (KATV.com)

Could the shooting at a Fordyce grocery store have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victims families and injured victims? Our firm represents victims of security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $200 million dollars for our Clients. Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.

LOCAL NEWS

Gunfire rang out at a Fordyce, AR grocery store late Friday morning, June 21, 2024, leaving four people dead and multiple others injured.

As reported by KARK.com, “[s]everal agencies including the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police Department responded to the scene near the [grocery store] located on West 4th Street in Dallas County shortly after 11:30 a.m.”

KATV.com is reporting, “[p]olice confirmed that the shooter arrived in the Mad Butcher parking lot in his truck and emerged armed with a pistol and 12 gauge shotgun. He also wore a bandolier with dozens of extra shotgun rounds. He began shooting in the parking lot then moved inside the store, firing indiscriminately at customers and employees alike.”

According to the report, “15 people were injured during the shooting, including 12 civilians, 2 police officers, and the shooter. As of now, 4 people, all civilians, have died as a result of their injuries.”

People.com is reporting, “Callie Weems, 23, Roy Sturgis, 50, Shirley Taylor, 62, and Ellen Shrum, 81, died from their gunshot wounds.”

The investigation is ongoing.

IS JUSTICE AVAILABLE? OUR LEGAL TAKE

FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.

Grocery store have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the property is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented.  The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:

• Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
• Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
• Were any security personnel at the property?
• Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
• What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting? 
• Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?

Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises.  Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the property owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the families of Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, Shirley Taylor and Ellen Shrum may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victims may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed.  The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the families of Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, Shirley Taylor and Ellen Shrum and any injured victims retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

OUR RESULTS? NEARLY $200 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS

The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence.  We have obtained nearly $200 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:

• A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
• Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
• Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.

We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888-842-1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

How to Choose and Hire the Right Attorney (Click Here)