RICHMOND, Va. – A store clerk was shot and killed at a Midlothian Turnpike convenience store late Saturday night in Richmond.
Police have identified the victim as 23-year-old Ashraf Mahasees. Family members confirm that Mahasees was a clerk at the K Food Store, located at 3159 Midlothian Turnpike.
Originally born in Jordan, the 23-year-old was supposed to celebrate his 24th birthday next week.
A memorial has begun to take shape outside of the store with community members placing candles underneath a gated door outside the store. The store was closed for a second day in a row.
Police responded to the store in the 3100 block of Midlothian Turnpike for the report of a person shot at approximately 11:05 p.m. Officers say they found Mahasees suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members said they're working to transport Mahasees' body back to Jordan.
Melvin Whitfield recalled going into the convenience store on Friday to see the victim working behind the counter.
"He always had it smelling good in there and always had the incense burning. He was just a good guy. Just a cool guy," Whitfield said. "I can’t imagine why anybody would want to do that to him."
RPD detectives believe the motive of this crime was robbery.
There are no details about a possible suspect at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at (804) 646-3927 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at http://www.7801000.com [7801000.com]. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
