A young Ethiopian movie producer who worked as a store clerk to supplement his income was shot and killed early Thursday in Atlanta.
(WSBTV.com) — The robbery occurred just after 3 AM on January 20, police said. Store owner Narendar Kour said the clerk, Jagama Beyene (also known as Jack Wizzy), opened a screen glass window above the counter and was met by 3 robbers.
Police surrounded the Citgo Glenwood Food Mart at 2315 Glenwood Avenue, which was marked by several bullet holes and shattered glass. Officers were talking to at least two witnesses.
Jagama Beyene, 26, was then shot in the stomach, and the robbers took the drawer from the cash register and ran, according to authorities.
“At some point during the robbery attempt we believe the suspect discharged his weapon at least four to five times,” said Atlanta police Lt. Keith Meadows.
Officers said they found money scattered on the floor of the business along with shell casings.
Paramedics took Beyene to the hospital, but authorities said he later died at the hospital.
Detectives said they were working to get the store’s surveillance cameras.
Kour was upset and said the killing was senseless. “If you want money, just take the money and go,” she said.
A witness, Vernon Owensby said he was sitting in his car outside the store at the time of the robbery. He said he saw two young men go into the store. A third man stopped at the door, as if to stand watch, he said.
“Then I heard shots. Then they broke out the door running and started shooting out here,” Owensby said.
He said once they left, he ran in to check on the clerk.
“I thought he was just ducking down or something, and I called him, and he was laying on the floor, so I called the police,” he said.
Another witnesses told police the men got away in a burgundy pick-up truck.
Jagama, or Jasck Wizzy as most of his friends call him, had recently launched a new documentary film titled “Habeshan Filega.”
In his Facebook page Jagama’s friends are expressing their shock and grief at the senseless killing of such a hardworking and talented person.
