A tragic incident unfolded at a Walmart Supercenter on U.S. 65 when a 32-year-old employee, Jordanne Drinkwater, was fatally stabbed during her late-night shift. The man arrested for the killing, 37-year-old Zeddrick Ross, told police that he believed Drinkwater was a “demon” who had been stalking him.
The Incident and Police Response
Authorities were called to the Walmart last week after reports of a stabbing. Police arrived within about a minute and found Ross still armed with a knife. Officers gave him several commands to drop the weapon, but Ross refused to comply and advanced toward one of the officers.
In response, one officer fired a shot that missed, and another officer used a Taser to subdue Ross.
Despite efforts to save her, Drinkwater was pronounced dead at the scene. Ross was arrested and booked into the Faulkner County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond on a first-degree murder charge. Police confirmed that no one else was injured during the incident.
Ross’s Belief and Connection to the Victim
Investigators revealed that Ross had no prior connection to the victim. He was not a Walmart employee and did not know Drinkwater. Ross allegedly told police that he had been pursued by a “demon” and had armed himself with a knife for protection. He believed he was confronting the demon when he stabbed Drinkwater multiple times.
After the attack, Ross realized that the woman he had stabbed was not the figure he thought had been following him. The police affidavit also disclosed that Ross had stolen the knife earlier and went to Walmart with the intent of getting another weapon.
Remembering Jordanne Drinkwater
Drinkwater, known as “Puff” to her friends, has been described as an “amazing human being.” Her friend, Sam Slaughter, shared an emotional response upon hearing the news of her death. Slaughter reflected on how Drinkwater had positively impacted his life, helping him stay sober and influencing his perspective on the world.
“I never met somebody as pure as Jordan. I don’t understand why it had to be her. She helped change my entire life for the better,” Slaughter said.
Ross’s Criminal History
Ross has a criminal history, including a 2020 misdemeanor theft conviction and a 2022 conviction for obstructing governmental operations, which resulted in a one-year probation sentence.
Ongoing Investigation
This case is part of a larger trend of criminal incidents reported in Walmart stores across the country. Following the officer-involved shooting, the officer who fired the shot has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. The investigation is still ongoing.
