MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The man accused of shooting and killing two Walmart workers and injuring a Southaven, MS police officer in July is heading back to Mississippi to face his charges.
Friday morning, 39-year-old Martez Abram waived extradition,meaning he will be transferred from the Shelby County jail, where he was beingtreated after being shot by Southaven police. Abram is expected to return toDesoto County, MS sometime in the next week.
He’s accused of a crime which not only drew national attention,but extradition letters involving two governors.
District Attorney John Champion is expected to pursue the deathpenalty.
“We are glad we are going finally get him back to DesotoCounty so the process can start,” Southaven Police Chief Macon Moore said.
On July 30th, authorities said Abram shot and killed two coworkers– Walmart managers Anthony Brown and Brandon Gales. Investigators said Abramhad been suspended from Walmart for showing a knife.
For Chief Moore, the deadly shooting at the busy store isespecially personal. Investigators said Abram also shot and injured aresponding police officer, his life saved by a bulletproof vest.
“This doesn’t happen here obviously very often, so, itshattered some lives,” Chief Moore said.
Friday’s development followed Abram challenging extradition lastmonth. That triggered extradition papers sent by Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryantto Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who signed them this week according to aspokesperson.
“This is a very important case obviously for us,” ChiefMoore said.
As for that injured Southaven police officer, Chief Moore saidwhile he’s recovering physically and could return to duty soon, the mentalaspect of that chaotic day continues to take its toll.
“That’s a situation that young man is still dealing with thisto this day,” Chief Moore said.
The Southaven police chief believes the case against Abram will bepresented to a Grand Jury either this month or next month.