LEESBURG, Fla. – The wife of a Leesburg store clerk who was shot and killed last week during a robbery set up a fundraiser to help find the gunman.
Raied Shihadeh, 51, was working at the Fast Stop Superette on Picciola Road, east of U.S. Highway 441, on May 30 when a man entered the store and fatally shot him.
On Monday, Leesburg police identified the gunman as Alex Lopez, 25, who they believe killed the store clerk.
Shihadeh’s wife, Monique Shihadeh, set up a GoFundMe to raise reward money leading to an arrest.
“The saddest part of all of this is my daughter will forever have the reminder that her father was killed on her 16th birthday. While most kids have the pleasure of fond memories, she will remember walking into a hospital room to say her final goodbyes to her dad. My husband was taken from his family for less than a $100 and our hearts are broken,” the GoFundMe reads.
Officers were called to the store for a robbery and shooting and found Shihadeh unconscious on the floor with at least one apparent gunshot wound. He was airlifted to Ocala Regional Hospital, where he died, police said.
“The criminal who committed this atrocious act is still out there and with the help of the community we would like to offer a small reward to aid in his capture,” his wife wrote on the GoFundMe.
Lopez faces several charges, including premeditated murder and armed robbery.
Lopez is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Leesburg Police Department at 352-787-2121.
To visit the GoFundMe, click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: