On August 24, 2014, at approximately 1:13 a.m., a tragic shooting occurred outside the Veterans of Foreign Wars lodge in Magnolia, Arkansas, resulting in the deaths of two individuals: 24-year-old Wayne A. Payton and 23-year-old Brandon T. Hobdy. Both victims were associated with Southern Arkansas University ; Hobdy was a current student and wide receiver for the SAU football team, while Payton was a former student.
The incident took place during a non-SAU-sponsored back-to-school party at the VFW, where several SAU students had gathered. According to authorities, a disturbance led to the removal of several individuals from the venue. These individuals subsequently returned in a red vehicle, from which they began shooting indiscriminately into the crowd. Both Hobdy and Payton were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement agencies launched an extensive investigation. On August 25, 2014, 20-year-old Byron Lavell Dunn of Magnolia was arrested and charged with committing a terroristic act in connection with the deaths of Hobdy and Payton. Dunn was held on a $1 million bond.
Further legal proceedings revealed that a second suspect was involved in the incident. A tentative trial date of April 27-29, 2016, was set for the second suspect in the August 24, 2014, shooting at the VFW building in Magnolia, which resulted in the deaths of Hobdy and Payton.
The tragic deaths of Wayne A. Payton and Brandon T. Hobdy left a profound impact on the Magnolia community and the SAU campus. Both victims were remembered for their positive contributions and the potential they held. The incident underscored the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of community safety.
