A man is facing a capital murder charge after Starkville police accused him of shooting and killing a woman described as his "on-again, off-again" girlfriend at a Mississippi Walmart where she worked as an optometrist, according to multiple reports.
The shooting happened around 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Walmart in Starkville. Police Chief Frank Nichols said a man fired several shots after walking into the store and confronting a woman, identified as Walmart Vision Center employee Shauna Witt, 42, the Starkville Daily News reported.
No other injuries were reported.
Witt was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries, police said.
Police said they confronted a man at the scene of the shooting and detained him after a brief struggle. The man, identified as William Thomas “Tommy” Chisholm, was arrested and charged with capital murder.
Investigators believe the shooting was the result of a domestic situation. According to witnesses, Chisholm and Witt were in an on-again, off-again dating relationship.
After the shooting, Justin Blaylock, who said he knew Witt for nearly two decades, described her as "a generous, kind soul," the Daily News reported.
“She will be greatly missed by all,” he said. “(She was) just a genuine friend that cared at all times and was willing to lend a hand at any time.”
At the time of the killing, police said, Chisholm was out on felony bond for an incident related to the victim.
Police continue to investigate the shooting.
The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.
About the Author
