Woodward, Oklahoma shooting: Walmart Parking Lot Attack Claims Lives of Christina Alewine and Gary Mulbery; Suspect Shane Allison in Custody
Detailed Incident Overview
On a somber Wednesday afternoon in Woodward, Oklahoma, the community was left reeling from a devastating shooting in the parking lot of the local Walmart. The incident, which unfolded around 3:45 p.m., claimed the lives of 42-year-old Christina Alewine and 81-year-old Gary Mulbery, sparking an intense law enforcement response and community concerns about safety.
Christina Alewine, a long-time Woodward resident known for her warm personality and involvement in local volunteer efforts, was pronounced dead at the scene. Gary Mulbery, a retired farmer and beloved grandfather from Mooreland, Oklahoma, was rushed to OU Trauma in Oklahoma City but tragically succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The suspected gunman, identified as 30-year-old Shane Allison of Beaver County, was apprehended shortly after the attack and now faces two counts of First-Degree Murder.
Timeline of the Events
The Shooting Unfolds
Witnesses reported hearing a series of gunshots near the northwest section of the Walmart parking lot, which was crowded with shoppers preparing for the holiday season. Panic ensued as people scrambled for safety, with some seeking refuge inside their vehicles and others rushing into the store.
Alewine was reportedly sitting in her parked vehicle when the gunman approached and fired multiple rounds. Witnesses described her car door as ajar, suggesting she might have been preparing to step out when the attack occurred. Mulbery, who was reportedly loading groceries into his truck nearby, was struck by stray gunfire.
Emergency dispatch received multiple 911 calls, with initial reports of an “active shooter” situation. Law enforcement and emergency medical services were on the scene within minutes, cordoning off the area and providing aid to the victims.
Immediate Response
Despite first responders’ efforts, Christina Alewine was declared deceased on-site due to severe gunshot wounds. Gary Mulbery was initially stabilized but required emergency transport to OU Trauma in Oklahoma City. Doctors worked tirelessly to save his life, but the injuries proved fatal.
In the chaos following the shooting, authorities quickly gathered witness statements and reviewed surveillance footage from Walmart’s extensive camera network. These efforts provided critical leads that directed officers to the vicinity of Woodward High School, approximately two miles from the scene of the attack.
Manhunt and Suspect Arrest
Law enforcement issued an immediate alert, initiating a citywide manhunt for Shane Allison. The suspect fled the Walmart parking lot on foot, leaving behind a chaotic scene and two grieving families.
Surveillance footage revealed Allison exiting a vehicle parked near the crime scene just moments before the shooting. Witness descriptions, coupled with the video evidence, helped authorities locate the suspect near Woodward High School, which was placed under lockdown as a precautionary measure.
The lockdown caused significant anxiety among parents and staff, as a community meeting was underway in the school auditorium. Police assured attendees of their safety while securing the area.
Approximately 15 minutes after the shooting, officers apprehended Shane Allison without further incident. He was reportedly unarmed at the time of his arrest, though police later recovered a firearm believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
Community and Family Reactions
Remembering the Victims
The deaths of Christina Alewine and Gary Mulbery have left an indelible mark on the Woodward community.
Alewine, a mother of three and an active participant in local charity events, was known for her kindness and dedication to helping others. Her family released a statement expressing their devastation, describing her as “a beacon of light whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.”
Mulbery, a long-time resident of Mooreland, was equally cherished. Friends and family remembered him as a hardworking, gentle soul who loved sharing stories about his farming days. His grandson, speaking to reporters, said, “Grandpa Gary was our rock. He didn’t deserve this.”
Community Vigil and Support Efforts
In response to the tragedy, local churches and community groups have come together to organize a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims. The event is scheduled to take place in the Walmart parking lot, symbolizing a reclaiming of the space for healing and solidarity.
Counseling services have also been made available for those affected, including Walmart employees, shoppers, and high school attendees who experienced the lockdown.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are working to unravel the motive behind this senseless act of violence. Initial investigations have yet to determine whether Shane Allison had any prior connection to the victims or if the attack was entirely random.
Police Chief Matt Leeman addressed the public during a press conference late Wednesday evening, stating, “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support. We are committed to seeking justice for Christina and Gary.”
Suspect’s Background
Shane Allison, who has no prior criminal record in Woodward County, reportedly relocated to the area from Beaver County earlier this year. Investigators are delving into his personal history, including interviews with acquaintances and a review of his social media activity.
Rumors of potential mental health struggles or disputes have not been confirmed, though detectives are exploring all possibilities.
Walmart and Public Safety Measures
The Walmart store remains partially operational, with restricted access to certain parking lot sections. Store officials have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Security measures, including increased police presence and the installation of additional surveillance cameras, are being discussed to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff in the wake of the tragedy.
Looking Forward
The loss of Christina Alewine and Gary Mulbery has united the Woodward community in grief and determination to support their families. While answers about the motives behind the attack remain elusive, the focus remains on healing and preventing future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, local leaders are calling for enhanced community vigilance and open dialogue about public safety and mental health resources.
The senseless loss of two lives in a place as ordinary as a Walmart parking lot underscores the unpredictable nature of violence and the urgent need for collective action to address its root causes.
