Arkansas Walmart employee fatally stabbed in 'random act of violence'

Zeddrick Ross, 37, charged with first-degree murder in death of Jordanne Drinkwater, 32, who was 'just working her normal shift'

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a large knife blade against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence of a fatal workplace stabbing.A chilling close-up of the weapon used in a fatal stabbing at an Arkansas Walmart, exposing the stark reality of workplace violence.Conway Today

A Walmart employee in Conway, Arkansas was fatally stabbed by a man who believed she was a demon he needed to kill, according to police. Zeddrick Ross, 37, is accused of first-degree murder in the death of Jordanne Drinkwater, 32, who was 'just working her normal shift' when the attack occurred.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of workplace violence and the need for improved safety measures and mental health support for retail employees. It also raises questions about the state's approach to addressing mental health crises and preventing such random acts of violence.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, Ross believed a demon was following him, so he stole a knife from a nearby Walgreens and a machete from the Walmart. He then saw Drinkwater from a distance and thought she was the demon, so he allegedly stabbed her in the shoulder and neck. After the stabbing, Ross realized Drinkwater was not the demon he thought he was killing.

  • The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on March 31, 2026 at the Walmart in Conway, Arkansas.
  • Ross is next scheduled to appear in court on April 20, 2026.

The players

Zeddrick Ross

A 37-year-old man charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jordanne Drinkwater.

Jordanne Drinkwater

A 32-year-old Walmart employee who was 'just working her normal shift' when she was fatally stabbed.

Conway Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested Ross.

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What they’re saying

“I hate to sit there and speculate and say anything like 'random act of violence,' but it truly was—there was no correlation between the [victim and suspect] that we found yet, or I was not informed of.”

— Daniel Hogan, Police spokesman

“I never met somebody as pure as Jordan. I still don't understand why it had to be her. She helped change my entire life for the better — everything from staying sober to the way I think about the world and how it works and not putting more hate into it and just trying to do better. She was an amazing human being. She's going to be so, so missed.”

— Sam Slaughter, Drinkwater's friend

What’s next

Ross is scheduled to appear in court on April 20, 2026, where a judge will determine if he should be granted bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved workplace safety measures, better mental health support, and a more comprehensive approach to addressing random acts of violence in the community. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of valuing and protecting retail workers, who often face challenging circumstances in their daily jobs.