A woman who was working a morning shift at a Walmart in Indiana was allegedly attacked by her “on-and-off” boyfriend, who trailed her through the store before a violent physical confrontation broke out in one of the aisles , ultimately resulting in her death by gunshot, according to authorities.
Dorian Robertson, 22, of Illinois, allegedly stood over Dakota Norwood, 21, also of Illinois, and watched her struggle to breathe after shooting her multiple times inside a Walmart located in Hammond, Indiana, near the state border.
The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, according to an official police press release. Court records indicate that Robertson was subsequently arrested and charged with murder on Tuesday.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that Norwood was working at the store when a conversation with the suspect escalated into a physical altercation,” according to the Hammond Police Department. “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 newspaper serving northwest Indiana, states that Robertson arrived at the store in a gray Hyundai Sonata shortly before 8:40 a.m. and proceeded inside. Norwood was stocking shelves at the time and appeared to take no notice of Robertson as he followed her throughout the store during her shift, according to the affidavit.
Robertson allegedly approached Norwood, shoved her work cart, and then grabbed hold of her, which triggered a physical struggle that caused both individuals to fall to the floor. The firearm Robertson had been carrying reportedly fell to the ground during the altercation, according to the affidavit.
Norwood was on top of Robertson, striking him, before he allegedly kicked her away. A co-worker reportedly intervened at that point, causing the altercation to pause briefly, according to police.
Robertson allegedly retrieved the firearm and opened fire on Norwood. After she collapsed to the ground, he allegedly continued shooting before walking away. He then reportedly returned and stood over Norwood as she visibly struggled to breathe, according to the affidavit.
A co-worker informed investigators that a customer had alerted store employees to the disturbance and urged them to contact security. The employee stated that Robertson fired at Norwood while she was on the ground screaming, according to the Post-Tribune.
The co-worker further told police that they believed Robertson’s handgun had been equipped with a switch that enabled it to fire automatically.
When detectives questioned Robertson, he reportedly acknowledged that he and Norwood had been engaged in an “on-and-off” relationship for “several” months. He stated that he had gone to the Walmart because he wanted her to clarify comments she had recently made, though he refused to disclose to investigators what those comments were, according to the affidavit.
Robertson claimed that Norwood ignored him until he eventually pushed her cart, at which point she turned around and began striking him, according to the affidavit. Robertson allegedly stated that he fell and hit his head, after which his recollection of the events became a “blur.”
An off-duty Hammond police officer reported the shooting at approximately 9 a.m., and responding officers swiftly located Robertson along with the firearm inside the Walmart.
Walmart announced that it was making on-site mental health resources available to employees following the closure of the store.
“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 is currently being held without bail at the Lake County Jail.
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