hi INDiA Copyright 2022-2050
BY A STAFF WRITER
FLORIDA — An Indian American clerk at a convenience store in Florida was shot dead by a teenager on May 19 in an apparent robbery attempt, the second such incident in just over a month.
Manav Deshi, who was in his 30s, was shot in the face by a 16-year-old teenager in St. Augustine.
The incident has sent shockwaves among the Indian American community in Florida.
Deshi, who along with his fiancé recently moved to St. Augustine from North Carolina, died instantly inside the store after he was shot by the teenager who had covered his face with a handkerchief.
The accused, along with his accomplice, was arrested by the police after a long high-speed chase. The two face multiple charges.
Deshi had moved to Florida only two months ago and was excited about his upcoming wedding.
Neighbors placed candles and flowers in memory of the young man most knew only as the “nice guy.”
“He just started here a couple of months ago, but he was always smiling and knew everyone’s name,” according to Lisa Washington, a regular customer at the Tobacco and Beverage Express, told Action News.
The police said Deshi’s fiancé came to the scene briefly but became physically ill from the news of her loss.
Deshi’s parents were on their way to Florida from India.
In April, 39-year-old Sanjay Patel was shot dead by two masked men during an apparent robbery attempt at a gas station in Connecticut.
photo caption
Manav Deshi