A 24-year-old woman sent to Idaho to train new employees at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant has been left unable to speak due to the trauma of a deadly shooting that occurred last Saturday. Her family reported that she pleaded for her mother while fleeing the scene.
The shooting at the Twin Falls location resulted in three fatalities and seven injuries. The gunman, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, opened fire with an AK-style rifle on customers and employees. Among the deceased were one In-N-Out employee, customer Christopher Claunch, and another unnamed individual.
Authorities stated that two of the injured have been released from the hospital, three are in stable condition, and two remain in critical condition. An off-duty state trooper and an armed citizen engaged the gunman, diverting him from the restaurant and preventing further casualties, according to Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks. Police are confident Williams acted alone.
Michael and Nikki Ahearn, the parents of the traumatized employee, have not shared their daughter's name. They described her distress when she finally managed to call them, able to state only that she was okay before becoming unable to speak further. Their daughter's phone remains at the crime scene, leaving her parents with no immediate access to her or knowledge of her whereabouts.
In-N-Out confirmed they are flying their daughter home, but the family has not received specific timing for her return. The parents expressed their fear and helplessness at not being able to comfort their daughter directly.
