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Teens Arrested For Robbery, Murder Of Durham Convenience Store Clerk

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Hilltop Murder Suspects
DURHAM, N.C. — Durham police investigators have arrested three teens in connection with the shooting death of a convenience store clerk last week.

Police have charged Timothy Lamon Uzzelle, 18, Bruce Lee Garrett, 18, and Marque Sowell, 17, with the murder of 44-year-old Ahmed Raja, of Durham, on May 17. They will make their first court appearance on Tuesday.

Raja was the owner of Hilltop Food Mart on Hardee Street. Police said two masked males armed with guns entered the store, immediately shot Raja and then fled with a cash register. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun, the other a sawed-off shotgun. Investigators later learned a third male was involved, according to police.

Authorities do not know which suspect shot Raja.

Durham police, with assistance from the Cary Police Department, arrested Uzzelle and Garrett Monday afternoon at Garrett's home. Late Monday, they arrested Sowell.

Meanwhile, family and friends pay tribute to Raja, who was described as a kind, gentle, family man.

"He was the type of person who showed you respect," said Daryl Beasley, Raja's friend.

Police said all three suspects are confirmed gang members.

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