Video: A Mantachie Bank Opens Its Doors Again After an Employee was Killed

MANTACHIE, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s been almost a week since a bank robbery turned to homicide in Mantachie.

Now, the residents of the small town are finding ways to deal with the tragedy.

This morning, Farmers and Merchants Bank opened its doors for the first time since last Wednesday’s shooting.

Residents and businesses are still trying to let the shock settle, while they mourn the loss of a friend and fixture at the bank, Judy Guin.

These bank doors have been closed until today, after last week’s shooting took Judy Guin’s life away.

“It was different not seeing her face because she always had a smile for everybody,” says Donna Prien.

A smile that co-workers and residents will miss.

“I know it will still be hard for them. The employees here were really rattled by it, but we’re going to make it through it and that’s what the bank being opened says is we’re here, we’re going to stay here, and we’ll make it,” says Mantachie Police Chief Mark Roberts.

The Mantachie Police Department has been reaching out to business owners.

“Just seeing if they have any concerns and explain to them that we’re here for them and we’ll be here and just trying to talk to people and see if they know anything we can do to help them,” says Chief Roberts.

Banana Box Grocery assistant manager Donna Prien was working when the shooting happened and says Mrs. Judy was well liked, soft spoken, and always smiling.

“She was a real sweet, really good Christian lady, you know, everybody loved her. Here, we called her our mellow yellow lady. She came in just about every Wednesday.”

This resident says it’s still tough when she comes to town and sees the bank, but it’s even worse when she goes home because she’s been neighbors with Judy Guin for quite some time.

“It’s different going by their house too because then, you know, I’m use to seeing her out in the yard and all of that stuff, so it’s really going to be tough being neighbors,” says Tamera Roberts.

Itawamba County Sheriff Chris Dickinson says the investigation remains open.