ARIZONA CITY, Ariz. — Police said a suspect has been taken into custody after a convenience store clerk was found dead inside an Arizona City store Sunday morning.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office and Arizona City Fire responded just after 7 a.m. to the Sunlite Market at Sunland Gin Road and Concordia Drive in reference to a welfare check after the reporting party said the clerk, 41-year-old Mohammed Abul Hasim, was injured and not breathing.
The clerk was determined to be deceased when deputies arrived, the sheriff's department said.
Police released surveillance footage of an individual they said was wanted in connection to the incident.
Investigators later tracked 31-year-old Billy Johnson down to a home in Casa Grande and took him into custody on suspicion of killing Hasim. Johnson has been booked into the Pinal County jail and is facing charges of armed robbery and first-degree murder.
On Monday, a large memorial was created for Hasim outside the convenience store. Several people were seen placing flowers and messages of love at the location.
Vickie Watson, who has lived in Arizona City for most of her life, said everyone in town knew Hasim and called him by his nickname, Dream. She described him as a kind person who always greeted customers with a smile.
"He had a heart as big as his smile," Watson said. "Just always smiling at everybody and happy-go-lucky."
When she heard what happened to Dream, Watson said she was shocked. Believing the entire community is in mourning over this tragic death.
“I know I’m not the only one who cried all day yesterday,” Watson said.
A vigil will be held Wednesday night to honor Dream at the Sunlite Market. Organizers said they will be accepting donations to help his family.
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