RICHMOND, Va. -- A vigil was held Monday evening to remember the owner of a convenience store who was shot and killed outside of his business while closing up shop last week.
Richmond police discovered 30-year-old Habeeb Hafeed dead from a gunshot wound near the intersection of Nine Mile Road and North 30th Street in Richmond's East End.
Hefeed was married and a father to two young children.
People in the community said everyone knew him as “Sam.”
His brother, Mufeed Hafeed, traveled from Arkansas to attend the vigil. He said Sam just wanted to own his own business.
“This was his dream for over 14 years since he's been in the United States, and they didn't let him enjoy his life,” he said.
People at the vigil described the father of two as a giving man, a good son to his mother, and someone who worked to take care of his family and his neighbors.
Kevin Lauray, a close friend of Sam, said, “He was a real pillar in this community, trying to build this community to tell the truth.”
Lauray spoke of times when Sam would cook and provide food to people outside of his store just to help those in need.
Mufeed Hafeed
Those mourning his death asked for people to help them find Sam’s killer so they can have closure.
“The very important thing we need to know right now… who killed my brother and why he killed him,” his brother said.
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Conrad Simms at (804) 646-0712 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip or submit a tip online at http://www.7801000.com.
Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword “GUN250” followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
