GRAND FORKS, N.D. (WKRN) – An active-duty U.S. airman from Springfield, Tennessee, killed himself after opening fire inside a North Dakota Walmart, killing one person and injuring another.
According to the Grand Forks Police Department, 21-year-old Marcell Willis walked into the store just after 1 a.m. Tuesday and shot two employees, killing one.
Marcell Willis, an active-duty airman, walked in a North Dakota Walmart and shot 2 employees, killing one, before killing himself.
Witnesses and employees told police he continued through the store, firing at least one more shot toward another employee, ultimately missing, before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities said there does not appear to be a link between Willis, the victims or the store. A motive wasn’t immediately known.
The 21-year-old airman is a native of Springfield who was based out of the Grand Forks Air Base.
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Robertson County Schools spokesman Jim Bellis told News 2 he was a 2012 graduate of Springfield High School and a member of the Air Force JROTC program there as well as the football team.
Willis’ mother is heartbroken over the loss of her son amid such tragic circumstances.
She got the news about what happened Tuesday morning.
“I had to go to the hospital this morning for a panic attack. I’m just not well, not well,” said Teresa Ross.
“That’s not my son. I don’t care what who [says]. That’s not my son,” she added, noting her Willis has never said anything or talked about suicide before.
Ross said the last time she saw him was two weeks ago when Willis came back to Tennessee for his sister’s college graduation.
“Nothing out of the ordinary went on. Marcell was happy the whole time he was here,” she said, adding. “I just wish I had my son.”
Willis’ best friend, Jordan Dickerson, told News 2 he made good grades in school and was a good athlete but always wanted to be in the military.
“He had his mind set on serving the United States Air Force so he wanted to do something good,” said Dickerson.
He added, “I actually looked up to Marcell and we are both 21. It’s just the truth; he’s a great person.”
Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.