Customers remembered a beloved Downey convenience store employee shot and killed late Tuesday as a kind-hearted man who was well-known in the community.
The victim was identified by the coroner's office as a 44-year-old Cerritos resident, Gurpreet Singh. The shooting was reported at about 11 p.m. at ASL Liquor and Market near Telegraph Road and Paramount Boulevard.
Customers outside the store early Wednesday said they were heartbroken to learn of his death. Some cried and embraced as they shared memories of Singh.
"He was a sweetheart," said customer Angela Bennett. "He was kind to everybody. This is a shock. Took him from his family. Took him from his community. It's horrible."
Grieving family members also arrived at the scene early Wednesday. Customers said family members rotated shifts at the store.
Singh was working alone at the time.
Details about the shooting and whether it occurred during a robbery were not immediately available. Only one other business in the strip mall was open.
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Security camera video from a nearby business shows two men running from the market in different directions. Details descriptions of the men were not immediately available.
No arrests were reported.
