SUFFOLK, Va. — A clerk at a 7-Eleven in Suffolk was shot and killed at the store Friday morning, according to police.
The Suffolk Police Department said the shooting happened at the 7-Eleven in the 800 block of Carolina Road shortly before 12:40 a.m.
Investigators believe that two unknown suspects entered the store with handguns and immediately started shooting at the clerk, Ketron Exavier Smith, 20.
Investigators released images from the security footage, showing two people outside the store with their guns drawn and immediately firing their guns when they enter the store directly at the clerk who was working at the counter.
Smith had several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. Police said the suspects didn't take money or merchandise from the store and called this incident a targeted attack.
Some people who live nearby said they would often learn about robberies at this 7-Eleven, but never would think someone would enter the store just to shoot and kill another person.
Gina Lilley has lived down the road from the store for the past 32 years. She was taking care of her grandson when she heard about what happened.
"My husband frequents it quite often, especially during hunting season, he's always stopping for coffee or something to eat," Lilley explained, saying her brother usually stops by in the mornings but came to a police scene instead Friday. "Very close to home. Very scary. We've never had any problems here."
Pam Sadler lives around the corner from Lilley. She said it feels like this type of criminal activity is inching closer to her home, which only pushes her to stay indoors more often.
"Usually, it's a robbery. People are taking money or food and this wasn't that case," Sadler said when referring to the 7-Eleven on Carolina Road. "We just kind of stay close here...and it's, it's just a different world."
Sadler expressed her grief over the loss of a young life in her community. She said she feels some younger people are too easily becoming victims of gun violence, whether they are the ones who pulled the trigger or not.
"It's got to turn around some way or another," said Sadler. "We got to know where we came from and I just don't think the younger set has found that yet."
A 7-Eleven, Inc. spokesperson sent 13News Now a statement, saying:
“We are heartbroken over this terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the victim and their family. We are working closely with law enforcement to support their investigation.”
Police continue to investigate what led up to this shooting as they search for the people responsible.
Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact the Suffolk Police Department at 757-923-2350 or the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887. People can also submit an online tip using P3 Tips.