Walmart assault in Norfolk leaves 77-year-old man dead, two adults charged
A 77-year-old man died after being attacked inside a Norfolk Walmart, and two adults have been charged with second-degree murder.
On June 7, Bert Atienza, 77, was attacked inside a Norfolk Walmart and succumbed to fatal head injuries the following day. According to court records, Erika Mitchell, 42, and Travis White, 44, have been charged with second-degree murder and are being held without bond. A 17-year-old Walmart employee is also facing multiple assault-related charges, including aggravated malicious wounding.
The confrontation started after the employee allegedly nearly struck Josephine Atienza with a cart, leading to a verbal dispute and a thrown can, after which the employee’s parents arrived and assaulted Bert, repeatedly kicking him while he lay on the floor. Surveillance footage shows the assault, and the Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt-head trauma. Walmart confirmed the teenager is no longer employed and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns about workplace violence and safety in public retail spaces.
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