The Gist: A sudden shooting at a Hiram Walmart took the lives of a former couple in a suspected domestic violence incident.
What Happened?: According to the Hiram County Police Department, at around 7:22 p.m. on Wednesday, shoppers at the Walmart on Jimmy Lee Smith Road scrambled for safety after gunshots echoed through the store.
Between the aisles, two individuals were found: a young woman and her former partner. Lifesaving efforts began immediately, but both succumbed to their injuries at Kennestone Hospital.
According to police, the man approached the woman for a conversation before pulling out a gun, shooting her, and then himself.
The man was an employee at the store.
What’s Next?: The investigation by the Hiram Police Department continues. In light of this tragedy, there’s an emphasis on the importance of reaching out if facing domestic issues, with resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 available for help.
🗂️ Domestic Violence Stats: A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that between 2003 and 2014, about 55% of all female homicides in the U.S. were related to intimate partner violence.