MADERA — The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery and murder that took place at a mini mart in the Valley last night.
At about 11 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a possible shooting at the Tackle Box Gas Station and Mini Mart on Road 26.
When deputies arrived, they discovered a male employee had been fatally shot during an apparent robbery. Detectives and crime scene personnel worked through the night processing the scene and reviewing surveillance video.
So far, the investigation has revealed that two male suspects entered the store at about 10:50 p.m. The two men stole cash and two large boxes of cigarettes, then fired several shots, one of which struck the employee and killed him.
One of the suspects was wearing a black jacket, gray pants, socks and no shoes, with a blue bandana over his face. The other suspect was wearing a black “Reebok” sweatshirt, black pants, black and white shoes, with a white bandana over his face. The suspect with the blue bandana was armed with a silver revolver and both suspects wore gloves.
Surveillance video also revealed that a man in a white Acura two-door vehicle pulled up to the front of the store during the robbery, then backed out and drove away. Investigators believe this man may have seen one of the suspects near the door, realized a crime was occurring, and left the area.
This man may have also seen the suspects’ vehicle, possibly near the gas pumps. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is asking this man to come forward with any information he may have.
This witness, or anyone else having information about this murder, is asked to call the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at 559-675-7770, or Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP.
This case remains under investigation. Identification of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
