A third suspect is in custody in connection to the January 31 shooting outside the Walmart in Selma that left one man dead.
Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford confirmed that officers had been searching for Tashun Roderick Benard Hunter, 19, and Willie James Hunter, 20, both of Selma, on warrants for capital murder and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle. Tashun Hunter has been arrested, according to Dallas County District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. His capture follows the arrests of two unnamed teens, ages 16 and 17, on the same charges.
Willie James Hunter remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous, Fulford said.
Authorities say a fight between several men inside the Walmart led to gunfire outside the store. The victim, Marcus Martin, 40, of Selma, was an innocent bystander who was caught in the crossfire while pulling into the parking lot. Two other vehicles were struck, and minor accidents occurred as other customers attempted to leave.
Turner, who serves as district attorney for Perry, Hale, Dallas, Bibb, and Wilcox counties, used the shooting to highlight the high rate of gun violence in the area. He cited statistics showing Dallas County’s violent crime rate is nearly three times the national average.
“This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder that gun violence can touch any of us, at any time,” Turner said.
He called for stricter gun regulations, including licensing requirements for gun owners, universal background checks, and liability insurance for firearms. Turner compared these measures to existing regulations on voting and driving.
“If we accept regulations on voting to ensure integrity and security, we should be open to reasonable measures that promote responsible gun ownership and enhance public safety,” he said.
Turner urged the public not to wait until gun violence affects them personally before supporting preventative measures.
“Don’t wait until it affects you, before it effects you,” he said. “Let’s work together to implement common- sense solutions that uphold our rights while safeguarding our communities.”
Law enforcement continues to search for Willie James Hunter. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Selma Police Department.
