Police ID Wal-Mart worker killed, colleague wounded in Grand Forks store

Gregory Weiland died; Lisa Braun was wounded.

May 28, 2015 at 2:18AM
A car was investigated and searched near the entrance of Wal-Mart at the scene of a shooting on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, in Grand Forks, N.D.
A car was investigated and searched near the entrance of Wal-Mart at the scene of a shooting on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, in Grand Forks, N.D. (Grand Forks Herald/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Authorities on Wednesday identified the Wal-Mart employee who was fatally shot a day earlier inside the Grand Forks, N.D., store as well as a colleague who was wounded. The gunman, an airman at the nearby Air Force base, killed himself moments later.

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday at the supercenter on 32nd Avenue, just east of Interstate 29.

Gregory Weiland, 70, of Grand Forks, was killed, according to police. Lisa Braun, 47, also of Grand Forks, was wounded and hospitalized. Braun is in satisfactory condition at Altru Hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said. Willis also shot at a third employee but missed.

Police Lt. Derik Zimmel said Wednesday that "there are no further significant developments" to report, including what prompted Marcell T. Willis, 21, to open fire. He was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Police said there did not appear to be a link between Willis and the victims or the store, which has yet to reopen.

A statement from the base Wednesday said Grand Forks was Willis' first posting in the Air Force and he worked primarily in the supply area.

"The airmen of Grand Forks Air Force Base are deeply saddened by this event, and we extend our sincere condolences to the victims, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy," said Col. Paul Bauman, 319th Air Base Wing commander.

About 1,500 airmen are assigned to base. It was home to air refueling tankers for 50 years until a round of military base closings and realignments shifted its mission to unmanned aircraft in 2011.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

Marcell Willis, 21, was active duty Air Force, assigned to the Grand Forks Air Force base. He fatally shot one Wal-Mart employee and wounded another in the store early Tuesday, police said.
Marcell Willis, 21, was active duty Air Force, assigned to the Grand Forks Air Force base. He fatally shot one Wal-Mart employee and wounded another in the store early Tuesday, police said. (Dml -/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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