42-Year-Old North Carolina Woman Shot Dead While Waiting in Line at Walmart Bank
(Cindeee Oxendine/ ABC 11)
Authorities are searching for two teenagers accused of fatally shooting 42-year-old Brandy Nicole Olson while she waited in line at a Walmart bank in Lumberton, North Carolina. The tragic incident occurred on Friday, leaving the community mourning the loss of an innocent life.
Police identified the suspects as Ezekiel Burden, 17, and Brian Campbell, 18, both from Lumberton. According to investigators, the teens were attempting to target specific individuals in line at the Woodforest Bank branch but missed, striking Brandy instead. She had no connection to the shooters and succumbed to her injuries at a hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities described the shooting as an “isolated incident” and announced they were pursuing several leads. Yesterday, police released photos of Burden and Campbell, urging the public to assist in locating the suspects. Burden faces charges including first-degree murder, discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear, and going armed to the terror of the people. Campbell is charged with accessory after the fact.
In a statement, the Lumberton Police Department said: “Anyone with information about 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 condolences to Brandy’s family, acknowledging the fear gripping the community, told 11 ABC. “It was an isolated incident where an innocent bystander was shot,” he said. “Our law enforcement is working diligently to apprehend those suspects. Our prayers go out to the lady’s family.”
Tributes poured in for Brandy, a bar worker, from friends, family, and former colleagues. Wing Company, her previous 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 anybody smile. Please pray for her family, friends, and coworkers. Rest in peace, Brandy. We will miss your smiling face.”
A close friend and colleague also shared a moving tribute: “I can’t believe this. You didn’t deserve this at all! I’ll miss working with you, our talks, and your ability to make me laugh. Rest in peace, our bartender. You will forever be missed and never forgotten.”
As the investigation continues, the Lumberton community mourns the senseless loss of a beloved member and hopes for justice in her memory.
