Fordyce, Ark. — In a significant turn of events, a man has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a grocery store shooting last year that left four individuals dead and injured ten others, including two officers. Travis Eugene Posey, 45, entered his plea in court on Monday, admitting to four counts of capital murder and 11 counts of attempted capital murder related to the tragic incident that unfolded in June 2024.
Posey’s change of plea occurred during a hearing in Camden, about 29 miles from Fordyce, where he has been held without bond since the shooting. Initially, he had pleaded not guilty to the charges but reversed that stance as he faced the upcoming trial next month. Sentencing for Posey is scheduled for August 4, according to statements from his attorney.
The horrific event took place at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, a small community of roughly 3,200 residents, located about 65 miles south of Little Rock. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as Posey entered the store armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and a pistol, firing indiscriminately at shoppers and employees in broad daylight. Authorities reported that he carried a bandolier filled with shotgun rounds, discharging a significant number of shots in a matter of moments.
Despite extensive investigations, law enforcement officials have yet to disclose a clear motive behind Posey’s violent actions. They noted that he did not appear to have any personal ties to his victims, adding to the community’s shock and confusion regarding the incident. During the confrontation, Posey was injured in an exchange of gunfire with responding officers, further complicating the scene already marked by tragedy.
In the aftermath, one of the survivors has initiated a lawsuit against Posey, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs due to the shooting. The legal representatives of the victim are pushing for a default judgment, as Posey has not responded to the lawsuit.
The incident had a profound impact on the community, temporarily shuttering the town’s only grocery store. In response to the closure, food distribution sites were established, underscoring the disruption caused by the violence. The Mad Butcher did manage to reopen 11 days following the event, symbolizing a small step towards recovery for the town.
Posey’s criminal history prior to the shooting was minimal, though he faced a misdemeanor weapons charge in 2011. As the community continues to grapple with the implications of this tragedy, residents are left searching for answers while trying to rebuild the sense of safety that was shattered that day.