It happened around 1:00 a.m. Wednesday at the 7-Eleven store located at 100 Four Seasons Parkway and South College Avenue in Newark, Delaware.
Police say two masked gunmen entered the store and demanded money from the clerk.
The clerk, 48-year-old Mohammed Rafique Ullah, turned over an undisclosed amount of cash but, when the suspects were fleeing, one suspect armed with a handgun fired at least one round, striking Ullah in the chest.
Ullah was pronounced dead at the scene.
"This guy didn't resist, he complied with their demands, posed no threat at any time. So, it's incredulous why this one suspect would turn around and fire a shot, ending his life," said Sgt. Paul Shavack of the Delaware State Police.
Both suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction. They are described as two black males wearing dark clothing with masks covering their faces to disguise their identity.
Police are reviewing surveillance video and running ballistics tests on a shell casing found at the scene.
Meanwhile, regular customers are stunned. They say the victim was a friendly, hard-working guy.
Darlene Williams came to the store with flowers.
"Very nice man. Very nice. He would do anything he could for you," she said.
Ullah lived with another store employee nearby. He came here to make a better life for his wife and 8-year -old son back in Bangladesh, half a world away.
Customers said they couldn't believe his life has been taken by two thugs who'd rather steal than work for a living.
"The men that all worked over there were always kind-hearted, always good to all of us, spoke to us by name. It makes me feel unsafe, being here at work right now, knowing that something so heartless could happen," said Andrea Kline.
"That's what's upsetting about this. This guy is truly a victim," said Sgt. Shavack.
Police ask that anyone with information contact 911 or the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit, Detective William Porter at 302-531-5892 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You can also send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
