Two people are dead and one is in critical condition after a Newton County Walmart employee allegedly targeted and shot three acquaintances early Thursday morning, authorities said.
The violence began around 1:30 a.m. at a closed Walmart on Salem Road, where only staff were inside. According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, an employee exited the building, retrieved a firearm, and returned to fatally shoot someone they knew inside the store.
The suspect then encountered another acquaintance outside the Walmart and shot them. That person was taken to a local hospital and remains in critical condition, the sheriff’s office said.
Second fatal shooting at residence
Shortly after the Walmart shooting, the suspect allegedly forced their way into a home on Emerson Trail, where they located and fatally shot another acquaintance, investigators said.
Authorities emphasized that this was not an active shooter event but a series of targeted attacks.
Suspect apprehended out of state
The suspect fled the area and was later apprehended in South Carolina. They are currently in custody.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, the sheriff’s office said.
