Pleasant Hill, Missouri — A Missouri community is mourning the loss of a beloved grandmother and cancer survivor who was killed in a seemingly random shooting outside a supermarket on Memorial Day.
Authorities say the victim, 45-year-old Amy Coon, was fatally shot outside a Price Chopper supermarket in Pleasant Hill, while a teenage employee was also wounded during the terrifying attack.
Beloved Grandmother Killed Outside Supermarket
According to investigators, Coon was near her vehicle when the shooting unfolded.
Police allege that 27-year-old Allen Prince opened fire, striking Coon before turning his weapon toward others in the area.
A 16-year-old supermarket employee named Ayden was also hit by gunfire while collecting shopping carts outside the store.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Coon did not survive her injuries. Authorities later charged Prince with murder after the deadly incident.
Cancer Survivor Remembered by Family and Friends
Friends and family say Coon had already overcome enormous challenges in her life before her tragic death.
According to those close to her, she had battled a form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and successfully beat the disease.
Neighbor Richard Dale described her determination and optimism throughout her treatment.
“She fought cancer for about a year,” Dale said.
“She beat it. She was cancer free for about a year. About three or four months ago, it came back. She was going to treatment again.”
Despite the recurrence, Dale said Coon remained hopeful.
“I talked to her off and on. She said, ‘It’s going fine. It’s going fine.’ She was prepared to beat it a second time.”
Her family described her as a devoted mother and grandmother who always put loved ones first.
“Amy was the mother hen to everyone in her life. She cared deeply for her loved ones,” her family said.
“Even through her years of cancer treatment, she showed up for her family and was the absolute best Grammy.”
Gunman Stopped by Armed Bystanders
Authorities say the violence could have been even worse if not for the actions of two armed men who intervened during the shooting.
According to police, Prince allegedly attempted to shoot additional victims after targeting Coon and the teenage employee.
Witnesses told investigators that Prince also tried to shoot another man but missed.
Before more violence could occur, two armed bystanders reportedly held Prince at gunpoint.
Police later found Prince suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a hospital and placed under custody.
Investigators recovered a bolt-action Winchester .243 caliber rifle near him, along with spent shell casings and additional ammunition.
Suspect Was Allegedly Out on Bond
As investigators continued examining the case, it emerged that Prince had reportedly been released on bond before the shooting.
According to court records, Prince allegedly threatened members of his own family during a previous incident in September.
One relative told authorities Prince threatened to “blow [her] head off.”
Police reportedly recovered ammunition during that investigation, and court orders prohibited him from possessing firearms while out on bond.
Authorities are now examining whether those previous incidents may provide clues regarding the latest shooting.
Investigation Into Motive Continues
Police have not yet determined what motivated the attack.
Pleasant Hill Police Chief Tommy Wright said investigators are continuing to examine whether any connection existed between Prince and the victims.
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“We’re still determining [if there] is there any connection? What’s the causation? And we’ll continue to investigate that,” Wright said.
The chief also praised the two armed bystanders who stepped in to stop further violence.
“I appreciate people like that being in our community,” Wright said.
“We think people should protect each other; this is a community that truly exists for each other, and these two men stepped forward to exist to prevent further violence.”
The investigation remains ongoing as family members, friends and community residents continue grieving the loss of a woman remembered for her resilience, kindness and love for her family.
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