Two Union Planters Bank employees were shot Thursday morning by a long-time customer of the bank, according to Clarksdale Police Investigator Capt. Danny Hill.
Hill said he did not know why Joe Campbell, 54, of 944 Page Ave., shot the employees at the bank's downtown branch on East Second Street and took his own life.
"I've been knowing him for several years myself," said Hill. "This guy wasn't a thug. This is the first time he's done anything that I know of."
A source close to the investigation, however, said that a handwritten note and other paperwork found at Campbell's residence showed that the gunman was angry with the bank.
"The IRS had recently seized several of his (Campbell's) assets including bank accounts and his business for not paying his taxes," said one official speaking on condition of anonymity. "He apparently blamed the bank and was going down there to get revenge."
Campbell owned and operated a variety store, Royal Trade International on U.S. 61, until recently.
Hill confirmed Campbell was armed with three loaded handguns - a .22 caliber, a .32 caliber and a .45 caliber which he used in the shooting - and "a pocket full of bullets."
Shortly before 11 a.m., Campbell entered the bank and sat at the desk of loan officer Lisa Cannon.
"Campbell had been doing business there for about 12 years," Hill said. "He asked Lisa to check the balance of an investment account at a Union Planters in Grenada. There were no harsh words were spoken, and no loan was denied as we had thought earlier."
While on the phone, Cannon looked back up at Campbell and saw that he had drawn a handgun.
"The first shot hit Lisa in the right ear, then lodged in her shoulder," Hill said. "He then shot at Denise Boswell, who was standing at a nearby desk and shoots her in the right foot and the left leg."
Hill said Campbell fired about six shots before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life.
Witnesses said that he placed the barrel of the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.
Coahoma County Coroner Scotty Meredith said Campbell's wounds are consistent with those accounts.
Cannon and Boswell were transported to the Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, where they were both reported in good condition this morning.
Bank officials said they expect the branch to re-open Monday.
