(Image source from: independent.com.mt)
A 44-year-old Sikh man in California has been shot dead on Tuesday night when he was working at his liquor store near Paramount Boulevard in Downey.
Gurpreet Singh was a much-loved community man and a kind father to two boys. According to NBC Los Angeles, the shooting was reported at 11:00 p.m. at ASL Liquor and Market.
The small business owner was operating alone at the store when the incident happened. Customers reported that family members used to rotate shifts while working at the store. At the time of the incident there was one other business at the strip mall that was open.
Right now, there is no detailed information available on the nature of the crime and whether it was the case of robbery but the police are investigating the matter.
NBC Los Angeles also reported that a security camera nearby recorded someone running in a different direction but not much is known about their identification just as yet.
According to sources, Cerritos resident was behind the counter when he was shot.
Singh was a navy reservist and was zealously seen working in his store every day. The shooting sent shock waves across the neighborhood and people gathered near the store on Wednesday to pay respects to the deceased. A small candle vigil was also seen outside the store as mourners left candles in memory of the victim.
Currently, a homicide investigation is underway in the case.
A spate of killings at convenience stores in the recent past in the United States has claimed the lives of many Indian Americans.
By Sowmya Sangam
