In the aftermath of the brutal shooting attack at a Waffle House in Nashville, an astonishing detail has emerged from one of the survival stories.
DeEbony Groves was one of four people who was shot to death on April 22 when a deranged gunman shot at people outside the Tennessee restaurant before entering the premises and continuing his attack. But despite the 21-year-old having her life cut short in the most tragic of circumstances, Groves spent her final moments singing to Jesus, her savior.
Unarmed Hero Takes Down Waffle House Gunman: ‘He is Going to Have to Work for This Kill’
Walt Ehmer, the restaurant chain’s CEO, revealed the stunning detail at the young woman’s funeral, which was held at First Baptist Church in Gallatin on Saturday.
“We went and visited with the survivors, and they talked about the people who were in that restaurant before what happened happened, and specifically remembered your daughter,” Ehmer explained to the woman’s family. “And [they] spoke of your daughter and her friend, and said they were singing gospel songs. And everybody was singing and enjoying each other and she said, ‘The last thing I remember her saying was, singing ‘Jesus Loves Me.'”
“All I can tell you is that our Waffle House family is hurting for you, and with you,” Ehmer added in his emotional address, according to CNN.
Ehmer also offered words of comfort, condolence and hope to the family and friends of this much-loved young lady.
“You will get through this because I know by watching this is a very strong, faith-filled community,” he declared.
Over $200,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign set up to help the families of the victims of this brutal attack. The page was set up by James Shaw Jr., the man who has been hailed as a hero for rushing the gunman and knocking his AR-15 rifle out of his hands.
“It feels selfish,” Shaw said of being called a hero. “I was just trying to get myself out. I saw the opportunity and pretty much took it.”
“I was like ‘Dang, I’m basically in a barrel. There is no place for me to go,’” Shaw recalled. The moment the killer paused, Shaw took decisive action and rushed him head-on.
“His gun either jammed or he had to reload, not exactly sure but I saw my opportunity, my window, and I took it. It wasn’t a process of thinking, it was an out. If I let him reload that weapon there wouldn’t have been another chance. When he came in, I distinctively remember thinking that he is going to have to work for this kill. I had a chance to stop him and thankfully I stopped him. I grabbed the gun and kept it down. He had one hand on it. I pulled it away and threw it over the bar,” Shaw explained to The Tennessean.
Ths shooting suspect, 29-year-old Travis Reinking, was taken into custody on April 23.
BREAKING: Travis Reinking apprehended moments ago in a wooded area near Old Hickory Blvd & Hobson Pk. pic.twitter.com/00ukga37s6
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 23, 2018
Reinking is believed to have severe mental health issues and reportedly suffers from delusions. He has been charged with four counts of criminal homicide, as reported by CBS News. Last Tuesday, a judge revoked the $2 million bond that had been previously set for him following his arrest Monday.
(H/T: CNN)