New Castle Convenience Store Clerk Killed In Attempted Robbery

Posted: 5:45 pm EDT May 29, 2009Updated: 7:11 pm EDT May 29, 2009

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A convenience store clerk was killed Thursday night in New Castle, Lawrence County.Police said Hazim Alghooan, 40, was found lying outside the Marathon store with a gunshot wound to the head-area. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lawrence County coroner.Police said Alghooan was shot during an attempted robbery. He wasn't even behind the counter when police said the suspect barged in, demanded money and began shooting. He was stocking shelves."He was told to go to register and (was then) hit with a gun and shot. Crazy," said Sam Ameeshat, store owner and the victim's cousin.Police believe when Alghooan said he didn't have any money on him, the man pistol whipped him before shooting him.The incident, caught on surveillance tape, took just 15 seconds, but it will affect Alghooan's family forever. Ameeshat was closed for business Friday and doesn't know if he will reopen after the killing.Police are investigating. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact New Castle police.

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