A tragic incident unfolded at a Walmart in Lumberton, North Carolina, leaving a woman dead after a shooting that authorities believe was meant to “incite fear.” The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office shared that 42-year-old Brandy Nicole Olson was killed in the shooting, which happened around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, December 20, at the Walmart on Fayetteville Road.
According to investigators, the shooter, identified as 17-year-old Ezekiel Burden, remains on the run. Reports indicate that Burden, along with an accomplice, specifically targeted two people they knew at the store. Sadly, Brandy Nicole Olson, who was in line at the time, became the victim of this senseless act. The sheriff’s office has not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Olson near the Woodforest Bank inside the Walmart. Bystanders were desperately trying to save her life. She was rushed to UNC Health Southeastern, but despite efforts, she tragically passed away.
Authorities also revealed that Ezekiel Burden fled the scene after the shooting. He is now wanted for first-degree murder, firing a weapon inside a building to spread fear, and carrying a firearm in a way that terrorized the public. An 18-year-old named Brian Campbell, also from Lumberton, is accused of helping Burden after the incident and is wanted as an accessory. He too is on the run.
The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information about Burden or Campbell’s whereabouts to contact the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845.
