Men sought in convenience store killing

Henderson, N.C. — Authorities are looking for two men in the Friday night shooting death of a convenience store clerk, according to the Vance County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said they believe the clerk, Sadaq Ali Mohommed Ashmli, 31, of Henderson, was shot during a robbery at the Williamsboro Grocery at a Shell gas station, 7690 N.C. Highway 39 North, around 11 p.m.

Vance County Sheriff Peter White said Ashmli and at least one of the suspects exchanged gunfire. Ashmli was shot one time.

Authorities are seeking help in identifying two men caught on surveillance cameras during the shooting. The men were described as tall black men between the ages of 18 and 25, with slender builds.

Surveillance images also show a woman at the store shortly before the shooting. Investigators are trying to locate her, because they she could be a witness to the crime.

While family members talked to White outside the store Saturday evening, deputies handcuffed a man in a car that pulled up to the store. Deputies declined to release the man's name but called him a person of interest and said they brought him in for questioning.

Family and friends described Ashmli as a “true family man.” He was working at the family-owned store to support his wife and two small children.

“When you work at a convenience store, it’s really a chance of your life these days,” said Joe Davis, an employee at the Stop and Shop across the street from the Williamsboro Grocery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200.