The cashier who was shot dead by a customer she asked to wear a face mask has been identified as 41-year-old Laquitta Willis.
The supermarket clerk had worked at the Big Bear grocery store in DeKalb County, Georgia, for ten years before meeting her untimely death in the hands of an irate customer on Monday, June 14.
Laquitta was gunned down allegedly by Victor Tucker Jr, 30, after she asked him to wear a face mask while inside the store.
Tucker, who was also shot by off-duty police officer and store security guard, Danny Jordan, was arrested by the FBI as he tried to escape.
Jordan, 54, who is a part-time reservist with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, also sustained non-fatal gunshot injuries after engaging in a shootout with Tucker.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Willis family, the injured sheriff’s deputy and everyone impacted by yesterday’s senseless incident,” a DeKalb County Police Department spokesperson said in response to the incident.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the horror unfolded after Tucker refused to put on a face mask after being asked by store clerk, Laquitta, and began arguing with her.
Tucker then left the store, according to detectives, but re-entered soon after and allegedly shot Laquitta in the head. She was later pronounced dead at the Grady Memorial Hospital, GBI said in a press release.
Off-duty cop, Jordan, jumped in and returned fire. He was wearing a bullet-proof vest when he was shot and is in a stable condition at the Atlanta Medical Center, according to sheriff Melody Maddox.
A second cashier was also grazed by a bullet and treated at the scene, according to authorities.
Tucker was taken into custody as he tried to crawl out of the front door of the supermarket after being shot, GBI said. He was also taken to the Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment and is in a stable condition, authorities added.
The DeKalb County Police Department said warrants will be taken out for Tucker on charges of murder while other possible charges are pending.
