A LaGrange business owner was killed Friday when a stray bullet tore through her corner store.
Patricia Underwood, 78, was not the intended target of the gunfire, according to LaGrange police. Investigators said two men were involved in a dispute outside Underwood’s store in the area of Union and Ware streets, and one pulled out a gun.
One of the men, identified by police as Ronald Turner, was hit in the shoulder while standing outside his vehicle. Officers responding to the shooting about 10 p.m. Friday found Underwood dead at the scene, police said in a news release.
Underwood owned Pat’s Corner Store on Union Street.
LaGrange police Sgt. Robert Kirby told the LaGrange Daily News that the bullet came through the store's window, and it was likely Underwood had no idea of the gunfight outside.
Turner was taken to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center after officers performed first aid at the scene, according to police.
“The initial investigation revealed that a dispute between several parties in the area of Union Street and Ware Street led to Andreco Darnell Parham obtaining a gun and shooting at Ronald Turner,” a department spokesman said in the release.
Troup County Sheriff's Office
Troup County Sheriff's Office
Parham ran away after the shooting but was later apprehended, police said. He is facing a single count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault, as well as weapons charges. As a felon, Parham was not supposed to have a gun, authorities said.
He is being held in the Troup County Jail without bond.
The shooting remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the LaGrange Police Department at 706-883-2603 or Troup County Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000.
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