Left inset: Dakota Norwood (Facebook). Right inset: Dorian Robertson (Lake County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Walmart in Indiana where Dakota Norwood was allegedly shot and killed by Dorian Robertson (WLS/YouTube).
A woman working the morning shift at an Indiana Walmart was allegedly confronted by her “on-and-off” boyfriend, who followed her through the store before the encounter turned violent. Police say he shot her during a physical struggle in one of the aisles.
Dorian Robertson, 22, of Illinois, allegedly stood over Dakota Norwood, 21, also of Illinois, as she struggled to breathe after he shot her multiple times inside the Hammond, Indiana, Walmart near the state line.
The shooting occurred at about 9 a.m. Monday, according to a police press release. Court records show Robertson was arrested Tuesday and charged with murder.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that Norwood was working at the store when a conversation with the suspect escalated into a physical altercation,” the Hammond Police Department said. “The suspect allegedly retrieved a firearm and shot Norwood multiple times. She died from her injuries.”
An arrest affidavit obtained by the Post-Tribune, a northwest Indiana newspaper, says Robertson arrived shortly before 8:40 a.m. in a gray Hyundai Sonata and entered the store. Norwood was stocking shelves and appeared not to notice Robertson as he allegedly followed her during her shift, according to the affidavit.
Robertson allegedly approached Norwood, shoved her work cart and grabbed her, triggering a struggle that sent both of them to the floor. The firearm he was carrying fell during the confrontation, the affidavit says.
Norwood was reportedly on top of Robertson and punching him when he allegedly kicked her away. A co-worker appeared to intervene, briefly bringing the fight to an end, police said.
Robertson allegedly retrieved the gun and opened fire. After Norwood fell, he allegedly continued shooting before walking away. The affidavit says Robertson then returned and stood over Norwood as she visibly struggled to breathe.
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A co-worker told investigators that a customer alerted employees to the disturbance and urged them to contact security. The employee said Robertson fired at Norwood while she was on the floor screaming, according to the Post-Tribune.
The co-worker also told police they believed the handgun had a switch capable of making it fire automatically.
During questioning, Robertson reportedly acknowledged that he and Norwood had been in an “on-and-off” relationship for “several” months. He said he went to Walmart because he wanted Norwood to explain comments she had recently made, but he would not tell investigators what those comments were, according to the affidavit.
Robertson claimed Norwood initially ignored him until he pushed her cart, after which she turned and began punching him. He allegedly told investigators that he fell and hit his head, causing the rest of the incident to become a “blur.”
An off-duty Hammond police officer reported the shooting at about 9 a.m. Responding officers soon found Robertson and the firearm inside the Walmart.
Walmart said it provided on-site mental health resources for employees after the store closed.
“We’re heartbroken by what’s happened,” a spokesperson told the Post-Tribune. “We’re working closely with authorities as they continue investigating.”
Robertson faces one count of murder and remains held without bail at the Lake County Jail.
The post Man allegedly followed his “on-and-off” girlfriend through Walmart, shot her repeatedly and stood over the 21-year-old as she took her final breaths, police say, first appeared on Law & Crime.
