Inset: Larry Keaton Brown (Stokes County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Walmart in King, North Carolina where Brown’s girlfriend was fired prior to the alleged shootings (Google Maps).
A North Carolina man, aged 72, has been taken into custody following allegations that he fired shots at both the home and vehicle of a Walmart manager. This act was reportedly in revenge for the termination of his girlfriend from her job at the store.
Larry Keaton Brown faces several serious charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, as well as eight counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building, authorities revealed.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded on the evening of October 10 to a vandalism call in Rural Hall, particularly on the 1100 block of Pullman Drive. The homeowner had informed dispatch that their house had been struck by multiple gunshots.
Investigators soon linked this incident to another shooting that occurred the same night at the Walmart where Brown’s girlfriend had been recently dismissed. In this case, the store manager’s car, parked and empty at the time, was repeatedly shot.
“Collaborating with the King Police Department and using advanced forensic technology, investigators identified a connection between this incident and another at the King Walmart,” the statement noted. “Both agencies concluded these events seemed to be in retaliation against the firing of the suspect’s girlfriend.”
Details on how investigators made the connection between the shootings and the girlfriend’s job loss have yet to be disclosed.
Brown was subsequently taken into custody during a traffic stop and processed at the Stokes County Jail.
Earlier this month, after authorities said they found explosive devices in his home, Brown was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, High Point, North Carolina, Fox affiliate WGHP reported. Authorities said when they tried to place Brown under arrest during the traffic stop, he attempted to reach for a handgun, but they were able to disarm him.
Brown is currently being held in the Stokes County Detention Center without bond. It was not immediately clear when he was next scheduled to appear in court.
