Lawton, OK — A tragic double homicide unfolded last week in the parking lot of a local Walmart, leaving a father and daughter dead and a community reeling. Shane Allison, 30, has been arrested and charged with the murders of 81-year-old Gary Mulbery and his 42-year-old daughter, Christina Alewine, following a violent outburst that authorities believe was driven by personal and emotional turmoil.
Court documents and police reports shed new light on the details leading up to the killings, which occurred on the afternoon of December 4, just a day before Mulbery was reportedly set to begin eviction proceedings against Allison and his mother, who had been living on Mulbery’s property.
Investigators say that Shane Allison and his mother had been living on Gary Mulbery’s property for some time. According to Captain Darren Navratil of the Woodward Police Department, Mulbery and Allison’s mother had been in a romantic relationship, but it was reportedly coming to an end. Law enforcement sources indicated that Mulbery had told others he intended to meet with a lawyer on December 5 to start eviction proceedings, a fact that Allison reportedly learned before the deadly confrontation.
“Allison was aware that Mulbery was planning to evict them,” Navratil said in a statement. “This seems to have been a major factor in his decision to act.”
On the day of the murders, Allison’s actions appeared out of character. Authorities noted that he typically did not leave the property, but he joined his mother, Mulbery, and Alewine for a trip to Walmart. It was during this outing that the shooting occurred.
While Mulbery and Alewine were unloading groceries from their vehicle in the parking lot, Allison allegedly approached them with a bag containing a sawed-off shotgun and a rifle, along with an ample supply of ammunition. Without warning, he opened fire, killing both victims at close range.
After the killings, Allison reportedly told police that he had planned the murders, saying he intended to “pop them both.” The suspect’s statement to investigators confirmed that he had premeditated the attack, bringing with him multiple firearms to the scene.
Authorities also revealed disturbing statements made by Allison following his arrest. In a chilling remark, he allegedly expressed a desire to target African Americans in the Woodward area, though it remains unclear whether he genuinely intended to follow through with this threat.
“He made a statement about wanting to go after African Americans in Woodward after killing Mulbery and Alewine,” said Captain Navratil. “While we can’t say for sure whether he had plans to act on this or if it was just something he said, we’re grateful that we arrested him before anyone else could get hurt.”
Allison, who was arrested shortly after the murders, appeared in court on Friday, where he was denied bond. He faces two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Mulbery and Alewine.
The killings have left the small town of Woodward in shock, as residents try to come to terms with the senseless violence. “It’s just horrifying,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “I never imagined something like this would happen here.”
Mulbery and Alewine were well-known in the community, and their deaths have left a deep void. Mulbery, a longtime resident, was remembered for his kindness, while Alewine was described as a devoted mother and daughter.
The Woodward Police Department continues to investigate the case, including Allison’s possible motivations and any additional threats he may have posed. Authorities have confirmed that no further arrests are expected at this time, but they remain vigilant in monitoring any potential risks to public safety.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to grieve the loss of two lives cut short in a senseless act of violence.
