A Georgia Dollar General manager and mother of three was shot and killed during what should have been a routine $1.58 purchase, authorities said.
Alexis Hill, 44, was working at the Dollar General on Victory Drive in Columbus, Georgia, on Tuesday morning when a customer came into the store to buy hamburger buns, according to local reports.
The small purchase turned into a nightmare.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said the customer handed Hill two crumpled $1 bills at the register. As Hill straightened out the cash, the man allegedly stepped to the side, pulled out a gun and shot her.
Hill was fatally shot around 11 a.m. inside the store, WTVM reported.
Authorities identified the suspect as 33-year-old Jerome Willis. After the shooting, Willis allegedly ran from the store before police stopped him less than two miles away near Baker Plaza Drive, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The violence did not end there.
Officials said Willis shot a Columbus police officer and a police K-9 during the encounter. The officer was injured but treated and is expected to make a full physical recovery, the Columbus Police Department said.
The K-9, named Havoc, is in stable condition but will need surgery. Police said Havoc’s handler has stayed by his side throughout the ordeal.
Investigators have not released a motive in Hill’s killing, leaving her family, friends and community heartbroken over the sudden and senseless loss.
A friend remembered Hill as a sweet, hardworking woman who loved her job and made the people around her smile.
“She’d make you laugh,” the friend told WTVM. “She loved that job, and she worked her entire butt off for that job.”
Hill’s brother also released a public statement, saying the family is mourning the sudden death of a “beloved sister” and asking for privacy during the painful time.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the police shooting involving Willis. Authorities have not released additional details about the suspect or what may have led to the deadly store attack.
Hang his Sorry ass in the town square!