On a quiet Wednesday afternoon, a horrific shooting shattered the small-town peace of Woodward, Oklahoma, leaving two beloved members of the community dead and residents grappling with grief, anger, and unanswered questions. Forty-two-year-old Christina Alewine and her father, 81-year-old Gary Mulbery, were gunned down in the parking lot of the local Walmart, a place typically bustling with shoppers and families preparing for the upcoming holidays. The suspect, 30-year-old Shane Allison of Beaver County, was apprehended within minutes and is now facing two counts of first-degree murder. As investigators work to uncover the motive behind the violence, the close-knit community of Woodward is left mourning the devastating loss of life while seeking answers to the senseless tragedy.
The incident unfolded shortly before 3:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart located on Oklahoma Avenue, a central hub for residents of Woodward and surrounding areas. Eyewitnesses describe a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted in broad daylight, sending shoppers scrambling for safety. According to initial reports from the Woodward Police Department, officers responded to multiple 911 calls about an active shooter in the area. When police and emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene, they found Christina Alewine unresponsive and pronounced her dead at the scene. Her father, Gary Mulbery, was still alive but gravely injured. Emergency responders rushed him to OU Trauma in Oklahoma City, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, Shane Allison, fled the scene on foot, prompting a swift and coordinated response from law enforcement. Surveillance footage from Walmart’s extensive camera system, along with witness descriptions, enabled authorities to track Allison’s movements as he made his way toward an area near Woodward High School. Officers acted decisively, locating and apprehending Allison within 15 minutes of the shooting. Police reported that the arrest was made without further incident, and the suspect was immediately transported to the Woodward County Jail, where he remains in custody.
The quick apprehension of Shane Allison was crucial in preventing further violence, but it also raised questions about what could have motivated such a brutal act. As of now, investigators have not disclosed whether the victims and the suspect knew each other or if the attack was random. Sheriff Kelly Byrd of the Woodward County Sheriff’s Office stated during a press conference that authorities are pursuing all leads and examining any potential connections between Allison and the victims. “At this point, we are treating this as an isolated incident, but we are leaving no stone unturned in determining what led to this tragedy,” Byrd said.
The timing and location of the shooting added another layer of tension to the incident, as it occurred near Woodward High School, where a meeting was underway at the time. As a precaution, the school was placed on lockdown while officers searched the area for the suspect. Attendees of the meeting were temporarily confined to the building as law enforcement worked to ensure their safety. The lockdown was lifted once the suspect was apprehended, and no students or staff were harmed. Nevertheless, the proximity of the shooting to the school has reignited discussions about school safety and emergency preparedness in the community.
Walmart, a central fixture in the daily lives of Woodward residents, remained open following the shooting, though authorities cordoned off sections of the parking lot as they conducted their investigation. Customers were advised to use the south parking lot and entrance while police gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses. The scene, marked by police tape and the presence of law enforcement vehicles, served as a somber reminder of the violence that had taken place just hours earlier.
The victims, Christina Alewine and her father, Gary Mulbery, were well-known and respected members of the community. Christina, a mother and active participant in local events, was described by friends and neighbors as kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her family. Her father, Gary, was a retired farmer who had spent decades contributing to the agricultural fabric of the region. Together, they represented the values of family and community that define small-town life in Woodward. Their loss has left a void that will be felt by many for years to come.
In the hours following the shooting, an outpouring of grief and support flooded social media, with community members sharing memories of Christina and Gary while expressing their shock and sadness. “Christina was the kind of person who lit up a room,” wrote one friend on Facebook. “She was always there to lend a hand or a kind word. This is an unimaginable loss for everyone who knew her.” Others remembered Gary’s warmth and dedication to his family. “Gary was a pillar of strength and wisdom,” a neighbor wrote. “He loved his family fiercely and was always there to help a friend in need.”
The tragedy has also sparked a broader conversation about gun violence and public safety in rural communities. While incidents of gun violence in towns like Woodward are relatively rare, the shooting has underscored the need for continued vigilance and preparedness. Local officials, including Mayor Tom Fisher, have pledged to support the victims’ families and work with law enforcement to ensure the community remains safe. “Our hearts are broken by this senseless act of violence,” Fisher said in a statement. “We will do everything in our power to support those affected and prevent future tragedies.”
As the investigation continues, attention has turned to the suspect, Shane Allison, who now faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. Allison’s background and potential motives are under scrutiny, with investigators examining his mental health history, criminal record, and any possible connections to the victims. While much remains unknown, Allison’s arrest has provided a measure of closure for a community desperate for answers.
The tragedy in Woodward has also highlighted the resilience and solidarity of its residents. In the days following the shooting, local churches, businesses, and organizations have come together to offer support to the victims’ families. Candlelight vigils and prayer services have been held to honor Christina and Gary, providing a space for collective mourning and reflection. “In times like these, we lean on each other,” said Pastor James Hill of First Baptist Church, who led a vigil attended by hundreds of residents. “This is a community that cares deeply for one another, and we will get through this together.”
The Walmart shooting is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the profound impact it can have on a community. For the residents of Woodward, the loss of Christina Alewine and Gary Mulbery is not just a statistic but a deeply personal tragedy that has shaken their sense of security. As they mourn the loss of two cherished members of their community, they are also calling for action to address the root causes of such violence and ensure that their town remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
In the weeks and months ahead, the focus will remain on healing and rebuilding. The families of Christina and Gary have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and have asked for privacy as they navigate their grief. Meanwhile, law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the shooting and bring justice to those affected.
The events of that Wednesday afternoon will forever be etched in the memory of Woodward, serving as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community in times of crisis. As the town moves forward, its residents will undoubtedly carry the legacy of Christina Alewine and Gary Mulbery in their hearts, honoring their lives by coming together to build a stronger, more compassionate community.
