A Tennessee store clerk has been convicted of second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of the African American teen who stole a $2 wine cooler from his store.
Anwar Ghazali was found guilty last week of fatally shooting Dorian Harris, 17, in March 2018.
The district attorney’s office said Ghazali had pulled out a handgun after Harris left the Top Stop Shop in Memphis.
Ghazali chased Harris before firing several shots in his direction, according to authorities.
Huff Post Reports:
Anwar Ghazali faces up to 25 years in prison for killing 17-year-old Dorian Harris outside a corner store in Memphis, Tennessee.
Police say 17-year-old Dorian Harris had walked into the Top Stop Shop where Anwar Ghazali, 29, was working around 10:20 p.m. on March 29, 2018, swiped two beers and left. Security footage of the incident played during Ghazali’s trial shows the clerk grabbing a handgun, running outside and firing several shots at the teen as he walked away, reported local NBC affiliate WMC5.
The clerk returned to the store and told a witness, “I think I shot him,” according to an arrest warrant for Ghazali. No one, including Ghazali or witnesses in the store, called the police to report the shooting.
Two days later, police discovered Harris’ body a few yards away from the store. He was shot at least three times, including in his left leg.
“This defendant took it upon himself to be the judge and jury and the executioner over a $2 beer,” prosecutor Lora Fowler said, according to WMC5. Harris’ “life was cut short when he was … left to bleed out and die.”
Blake Ballin, Ghazali’s defense attorney, told CNN that his client had acted recklessly but did not intend to harm Harris. He said he was pleased that the jury rejected the prosecutors’ argument that the murder was premeditated.
Ghazali faces 15 to 25 years in prison for Harris’ murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 23.
Video of the vigil rally held for Dorian Harris last year after his death (Seen Below)
We are saddened to hear how this young man was shot and killed by the store clerk over a $2 wine cooler. Although he was in the wrong, his life should not have been taken away. We are happy to hear that he is receiving the justice he deserves. How do y’all feel about this situation? Do you think the store clerk was fairly judged for his acts? Let me know in the comments.
And now you’re officially in the KNOW!
