Authorities are searching for two teenagers accused of shooting to death Brandy Nicole Olson, 42, while she stood in line at a Walmart bank in Lumberton, North Carolina. The tragic incident occurred on Friday and left the community mourning the loss of an innocent life.
Police identified the suspects as Ezekiel Burden, 17, and Brian Campbell, 18, both of Lumberton. According to investigators, the teens were trying to target specific people who were in line at the Woodforest Bank branch, but they missed and hit Brandy. He had no connection to the shooters and succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. There were no other injuries reported.
Authorities described the shooting as an “isolated incident” and announced they were following several leads. Yesterday, police released photographs of Burden and Campbell, urging the public to help locate the suspects. Burden faces charges including first-degree murder, discharging a firearm within a premises to incite fear and going armed to terrorize people. Campbell is charged with accessory after the fact.
In a statement, the Lumberton Police Department said: “Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ezekiel Burden or Brian Campbell is asked to call the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845.”
City Councilman John Cantey Jr. expressed his condolences to Brandy’s family and acknowledged the fear gripping the community. 11 abc. “It was an isolated incident where an innocent bystander was shot,” he said. “Our law enforcement is working diligently to apprehend these suspects. “Our prayers are with the lady’s family.”
Tributes to Brandy, a bar worker, poured in from friends, family and former colleagues. Wing Company, her former employer, honored her memory with a heartfelt Facebook post: “Brandy Olson was a wonderful, kind-hearted spirit who got along with anyone and could make anyone smile. Pray for your family, friends and co-workers. Rest in peace, Brandy. We will miss your smiling face.”
A close friend and colleague also shared a touching tribute: “I can’t believe this. You didn’t deserve this at all! I will miss working with you, our talks, and your ability to make me laugh. Rest in peace, our bartender. We will always miss you and never forget you.”
As the investigation continues, the Lumberton community mourns the senseless loss of a beloved member and hopes for justice in his memory.