A deadly confrontation inside an Indiana Walmart turned into a horrific tragedy after 22-year-old Dorian Kevon Robertson allegedly got into a physical altercation with 21-year-old Dakota Norwood before shooting her multiple times while she was working.
According to newly released court documents, the November 2 shooting occurred at a Walmart Supercenter in Hammond, Indiana, where Norwood was working her morning shift stocking shelves.
Investigators say surveillance footage showed Robertson following Norwood through the store as she continued working. The probable cause affidavit alleges that Norwood appeared to ignore Robertson for several minutes before the two eventually confronted one another.
The encounter reportedly escalated when Robertson pushed Norwood’s stocking cart and grabbed her. The two then became involved in a physical fight, with both allegedly punching each other. During the struggle, a handgun reportedly fell from Robertson’s pocket onto the floor.
According to the affidavit, another Walmart employee intervened and separated the two. However, investigators allege that Robertson retrieved the firearm, approached Norwood and opened fire.
Court documents describe a disturbing scene, alleging that Robertson continued shooting Norwood as she attempted to move away from the gunfire while lying on the floor.
Investigators also reported that surveillance footage appeared to show flames erupting from Norwood’s upper body after she was shot. She briefly attempted to stand before falling back to the floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the shooting, Robertson reportedly walked several aisles away, placed the firearm on the ground and waited for authorities to take him into custody.
Police say Robertson and Norwood knew each other and had previously been involved in a relationship. During questioning, Robertson reportedly acknowledged that they had been in an on-and-off relationship for several months.
An off-duty Hammond police officer working security at the Walmart responded to the incident. Authorities subsequently arrested Robertson and charged him with murder.
Robertson appeared in court following his arrest and remains in custody as the case moves forward.
The heartbreaking killing has left Norwood’s family, friends and coworkers mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was taken while she was simply doing her job.
Walmart released a statement expressing heartbreak over the incident and confirmed that the company was cooperating with investigators while providing mental health resources to affected employees.
The investigation and criminal proceedings remain ongoing. Robertson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
