What happened after a Walmart shopping cart argument left one man dead

NewsA quick trip to Walmart ended in a tragedy few saw comingPolice and prosecutors say a confrontation inside a Norfolk Walmart led to the death of 77-year-old Bert Atienza. Two adults now face second-degree murder charges in the case.Getty ImagesA Sunday shopping trip at a Walmart in Virginia ended in tragedy after a dispute involving a store employee led to a violent confrontation that authorities say left a 77-year-old customer dead. Police and court records show two adults now face second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of Bert Atienza, WTKR reported. Atienza and his wife, Josephine, had just attended church on June 7 before stopping at a Walmart in Norfolk to buy groceries. According to Josephine Atienza, a teenage Walmart employee nearly struck her with a cart while moving through an aisle. She said her husband confronted the worker after she did not apologize, according to The Guardian. Josephine said the exchange became heated before she and her husband walked away. She told local television station WTKR that the employee later contacted her parents, who arrived at the store shortly afterward, WAVY said. Investigators say the situation escalated in another aisle. Surveillance video reviewed by local media reportedly shows Atienza being approached by two adults before a physical attack occurred. Authorities said Atienza suffered severe injuries during the confrontation. Josephine told reporters she stayed with her husband on the floor while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. She said he was briefly able to speak before losing consciousness. He was taken to a hospital, where he died the following day. Medical officials later ruled his death a homicide caused by blunt head trauma, 13News Now said. Police arrested Travis White, 44, and Erika Mitchell, 42, days after the incident. Prosecutors initially filed assault-related charges before later upgrading the case to second-degree murder after Atienza’s death. Both remain held without bond, according to court records and local reports. WTKR | WAVYThe couple’s teenage daughter, a Walmart employee at the time of the incident, also faces charges, including assault and battery, aggravated malicious wounding and conspiracy to commit a felony. Because she is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly identified her. Attorneys representing the adults have argued the confrontation was not planned and said their clients responded after receiving a distress call from their daughter. Prosecutors have not commented in detail beyond the charges currently filed in court. The case has drawn widespread attention because of how quickly a disagreement inside a store allegedly escalated into deadly violence. Atienza’s family says they continue to grieve the loss of a husband, father and grandfather while awaiting the outcome of the criminal case. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.