Employee killed in robbery at Lee’s Discount Liquor store; witness identified

By Ricardo Torres-Cortez

Published Tuesday, April 19, 2016 | 3:21 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | 9:43 a.m.

The Lee’s Discount Liquor store employee had his hands in the air; he was complying with the armed assailants; he did not try to flee or fight back, according to Metro Police.

The man also did not have access to the store’s safe; he was gunned down Monday night “execution style,” Metro Lt. Dan McGrath said.

Three gunmen are seen on surveillance video storming into the store, at 8785 W. Warm Springs Road near Durango Drive, about 9:45 p.m., McGrath said. Two had their weapons drawn.

They were seen running out of the store about three minutes later, leaving behind a gravely wounded man with multiple gunshot wounds, McGrath said in a news conference at the store’s shopping center parking lot Tuesday afternoon.

The man, only described as being about 25 years old, died at University Medical Center hours after he was shot, McGrath said.

Investigators were trying to identify the men, as well as a woman, initially described as a "person of interest," shown on the video.

The woman was at the cash register paying for items when the robbers came in and ordered her out of the store, police said. She contacted detectives and "is no longer being sought in connection with this incident and is now only considered a witness," police said Wednesday.

The men ran out with an undisclosed amount of cash as well as the victim’s wallet and cellphone, McGrath said. They are seen running west before they disappear from the video.

During the news conference, Clark County District Attorney Steven Wolfson called on anyone who knows anything about the shooting to come forward. He termed the incident an "execution murder … a stupid, stupid murder."

Police think the men went into the liquor store intending only to rob it, then became frustrated when they lacked access to the safe, McGrath said.

Two other employees who were in the store were cooperating with investigators, as was the store’s owner, McGrath said.

McGrath did not disclose details about what happened during the robbery but said there was an exchange of words.

"Our family and team members are deeply saddened by last night's tragedy," Hae Un Lee, the liquor store chain's owner, said on Twitter. "We pledge our support to law enforcement in bringing the assailants to justice. Most importantly, we pledge our support and condolences to the family in the sudden loss of their son."

Grieving people, who declined comment, gathered about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday in front of the store, where a single white flower and an apple had been placed. More people arrived later and added flower bouquets to the memorial.

The three robbers were described as black men in their 20s.

The first two stand about 6 feet and weigh about 180 pounds. One wore a white zip-up hooded sweatshirt over a gray hoodie with the gray hood pulled over his head. He also wore gray sweatpants and dark high-top athletic shoes with a white design. He had a gun.

The second robber wore a black hooded sweatshirt with a red “UNLV” design, police said. He wore red shoes and jeans.

The third robber stands between 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet. He weighs between 240 and 260 pounds and was seen wearing a “greenish” hooded sweatshirt. He was armed with a long-barreled revolver.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Metro at 702-828-3521 or [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 and crimestoppersofnv.com.