Hiram police identify 2 people who died in murder-suicide inside local Walmart

HIRAM, Ga. - Two individuals tragically lost their lives in an apparent murder-suicide at the Hiram Walmart on Wednesday afternoon. The victims have been identified as 26-year-old James Wyatt Norton and 20-year-old Zoey Nicole Messenger, both residents of Hiram, as confirmed on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 20 at the Walmart Super Center located at 4166 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, near the intersection of GA-92.

According to Hiram Police Chief Mike Turner, preliminary investigations suggest that this was not an active shooter situation, but rather a tragic encounter between two individuals who were acquainted. Chief Turner remarked, "What it appears to be is a known-to-known shooting event where both parties knew each other. This was not an active shooter. This was one person knew another person, there was some kind of former relationship."

Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered both Norton and Messenger suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Chief Turner noted that both victims were of a young age.

Due to the severity of their injuries, emergency responders rushed them to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Regrettably, both Norton and Messenger were pronounced dead upon arrival.

First responders pour into the parking lot of the Walmart in Hiram after witnesses say there was a shooting on Sept. 20, 2023. (Brian Quiñones)

Chief Turner empathized with the shock and fear that the incident instilled in witnesses and shoppers, stating, "You can imagine, in there shopping picking up stuff for your family, when shots rang out. Not only for the victim herself, but also the other people in there, the fear that had to be instilled by this type of event."

Photographs and videos shared with FOX 5 depicted first responders swiftly arriving at the scene following the shooting. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and were instructed to evacuate the store immediately.

Devani Lopez, a witness to the incident, recounted, "As soon as I heard the second shot, I ran straight for the exit because I heard the gunshot come from my left side, so I ran to the right exit. I ran straight for the car. I could see everyone running for their lives. Everyone was just so panicked and scared."

Initially, Lopez sought refuge inside his car, observing the crowd gathering near the store's entrance.

Chief Turner, who has been in office for two years, acknowledged that such an event was unprecedented in the city. He explained, "This is one of those events where it’s going to happen where the two people happen to meet. We have no control over that. I mean literally if we would have had an officer standing over on the other side of Walmart, they could have not prevented this."

The chief characterized the incident as opportunistic in nature.

Walmart issued a statement late Wednesday evening, expressing their sorrow over the tragic event: "We’re heartbroken by what happened at our Hiram store tonight. Our priority, right now, is the safety of our associates and customers. The store will remain closed while we work with law enforcement during their investigation."

The Hiram Police Department has indicated that more details will be released on Thursday, following the processing of the scene, a review of surveillance footage, interviews with witnesses, and notification of the families involved.

Chief Turner says due to the extent of their injuries, both were rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

"You can imagine, in there shopping picking up stuff for your family, when shots rang out. Not only for the victim herself, but also the other people in there, the fear that had to be instilled by this type of event," the chief explained.

Photos and videos shared with FOX 5 show first responders flooding the scene immediately after the shooting.

Witnesses say they heard shots and were told to evacuate the store and leave the scene.

"As soon as a heard the second shot, I ran straight for the exit because I heard the gunshot come from my left side, so I ran to the right exit," said witness Devani Lopez. "I ran straight for the car. I could see everyone running for their lives. Everyone was just so panicked and scared."

First responders pour into the parking lot of the Walmart in Hiram after witnesses say there was a shooting on Sept. 20, 2023. (Brian Quiñones)

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).