SOUTHAVEN, Miss. (localmemphis.com) – Forthose that witnessed Tuesday morning’s deadly shooting at the Walmart inSouthaven, it was hard to believe two people lost their lives.
“Just a crazy world. How can you be prepared for somethinglike this? You can’t, there’s nothing you can do to prepared for it. It’s justterrible and I feel so sorry for the people that got shot,” said witness PhilCox.
SouthavenWalmart Store manager Anthony C Brown was one of the victims. The 40-year-oldlived in Olive Branch but was originally from Caledonia, Mississippi.He leaves behind a wife and two sons.
38-year-oldBrandon Gales was also killed. Gales was also a manager and 16-year Walmartemployee. Family members told Local 24 News he has three children.They describe him as good-natured man who was always smiling.
Tuesdaymorning, Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite spoke about the loss.
“Ibasically want to express we are extremely sorry for the family and friends ofthe victims. It’s a terrible event and my prayers go out to them,” said MayorMusselwhite.
Whiletwo employees lost their lives, one Southaven police officer is in the hospitalbut alive thanks to his bulletproof vest.
Thisis one day one witness says he will never forget.
“I have a lot of emotions, but my emotions are basicallytowards the employees who witnessed it, you know, and knew these people andworked with them every day and I feel so sorry with them,” said Cox.
RosettaTwillie is a regular Walmart customer. It’s her self-proclaimed “hang outspot.” Twillie said she had talked to Brown several times.
“He told me he had moved here to try and straighten the store outand get it back on track,” said Twillie. She added, “He was excited about beinghere and he did tell me that everything would fall into place.”
Twilliesaid she is disappointed two employees lost their lives in such a sad tragicway.
“Mycondolences go out to all the family members,” said Twillie.