A tragic incident unfolded at a North Carolina Walmart on Friday afternoon when a woman was fatally shot by a 17-year-old suspect. The suspect, identified as Ezekiel Burden of Lumberton, was allegedly attempting to target two other individuals he was acquainted with, according to local law enforcement.
Burden is currently sought by the Lumberton Police Department on charges of first-degree murder, discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear, and other offenses related to the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Brandy Nicole Olson. An 18-year-old accomplice, Brian Campbell, is also wanted for being an accessory after the fact. The pair reportedly fled the scene following the shooting, causing concern among local residents about the safety of their last-minute holiday shopping.
According to police, the intended targets of the shooting were standing at the Woodforest Bank located inside the Walmart. Olson, the victim, was also in line at the bank when she was shot.
A shopper inside the Lumberton Walmart at the time of the incident captured cellphone footage, which includes audio of at least six gunshots echoing from the front of the store near the bank where Olson was shot. The video was shared on Facebook by Kayleann Brooke, who described the incident as the “scariest” experience of her life.
Another shopper, Steven Rumsey, told a local CBS affiliate that Olson seemed to be trying to flee during the chaos when she was inadvertently hit by gunfire. Lumberton Police confirmed on Facebook that Olson was checking out when she was struck and killed by the gunfire.
The incident has sparked fear among local residents, with City Councilman John Cantey Jr. reporting an influx of calls from concerned citizens worried about their safety while shopping. Cantey expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and acknowledged the fear and tragedy that has gripped the community during the holiday season.