Grand jury not prosecuting over death of grocery worker

A Cass County grand jury has decided not to prosecute the owner of the rifle that caused the death of a Queen City man – Crumps Grocery worker. District Attorney said “a case for criminally negligent homicide was (originally) brought against the rifle owner and the grand jury chose not to bring an indictment. Shelton added that based on the grand jury’s vote and the wishes of Lawrence’s family, her office will not be pursuing charges in this case.” KETK A worker at a local grocery store tragically lost his life while placing groceries in a customer’s vehicle. According to reports Larry Lawrence, 39, of Queen City was shot when a loaded rifle discharged in the backseat and killed the employee. The owner of Crumps, Chris Spencer, reported the sad news on Facebook saying that the customer’s dog accidentally stepped on the loaded gun.

According to the police report, “Linden Police Officers responded to a fatal shooting Friday, Sept. 22, in the parking lot of Crump Food Store located in the 700-Block of West Houston Street” Linden Police Chief David Dulude said the incident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. Witnesses reported a store employee, identified as Larry Lawrence, 39, of Queen City, was in the process of placing groceries in the rear seat of a vehicle, where a dog was located.

“Lawrence then began to pet the dog when a .22 rifle, also located in the rear seat of the vehicle, discharged striking Lawrence in the chest. Resuscitative measures were given to Lawrence by witnesses.

“Paramedics and police were immediately called to the scene. Upon arrival, EMS personnel took over administering life-saving measures to Lawrence, who was pronounced deceased at the helipad site. “Chief Dulude said although the incident appears to be accidental at this time, the case is currently under investigation. “It is unclear of the means of the discharge at this time, said Chief Dulude. We would like to relay our deepest condolences to Lawrence’s loved ones.”

In a Facebook post, Spencer issued a statement on September 22 at 5:24 p.m. saying, “A tragedy has taken place at Crump’s Food Center. We lost a fine young man. He carried out groceries and put them in the back seat of a truck, a loaded rifle was in the seat, and a dog stepped on the rifle, shooting the young man. He died shortly thereafter. Until we are certain that his family has been notified, we will not be releasing his name. We ask for prayers for this young man’s family.”