A Walmart employee identified as Dwayne Eduh, 24, killed two acquaintances and critically injured another in a targeted shooting spree early Friday, law enforcement officials confirmed. The incident began inside the Walmart Supercenter on Salem Road, about 35 miles southeast of Atlanta, and extended to a nearby residence.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office reported that the suspect, who was working at the store at the time, exited the building around 1:30 a.m. to retrieve a firearm before returning inside. He fatally shot a male coworker within the store and then critically wounded another coworker outside. The store was closed to the public, with only employees present at the time of the shootings.
The suspect then drove to a home less than two miles away on Emerson Trail, where he forced entry and fatally shot a female acquaintance. Authorities have not confirmed whether the woman was also employed at Walmart.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” the sheriff’s office clarified in a statement. “The suspect specifically targeted individuals they knew”.
After fleeing Georgia, the suspect was tracked using Flock Safety surveillance cameras and apprehended near Aiken, South Carolina, following a brief standoff with local deputies and state troopers. He reportedly shot himself during the confrontation and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Khalaf Barksdale, age 21, of Conyers, and Akeela Clarke, age 19, of Covington, both deceased. Ryan Bradley, age 29, of Covington, was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition.
Walmart expressed its sorrow over the tragedy in a statement: “We’re heartbroken by what’s happened. There’s no place for violence in our stores. We’re focused on taking care of our associates and supporting law enforcement with their investigation,” said Joe Pennington, director of Walmart’s global press office.
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