NEW ORLEANS — Just after 2:00 a.m. Monday, a gunman walked behind the counter of a Kenner gas station, aimed his gun at the clerk who was on his knees and had handed over all the money in the cash register.
The suspect then took a step back and shot the clerk, identified as 30-year-old Abdel Ghader Sylla, a spokesperson with the Kenner Police Department said.
The gunman was identified by police as one of two people who worked together to rob at gunpoint a Shell gas station near Williams Boulevard and West Esplanade Avenue.
Both suspects wearing masks, as mandated by current COVID-19 restrictions, walked into the store, seemingly with the intent to buy something, a police spokesman said in a release.
As one of the two suspects stood by the door, the other walked up to the Sylla, pulled out a handgun and demanded the money.
Sylla gave all the money in the register over to the gunman, police said.
"After removing all the money from the register, (the gunman) walks behind the counter where the victim is helplessly on his knees. Without provocation, suspect one then steps back and shoots the victim," the release from the KPD said.
Police said Sylla was taken to the hospital where he died of his wounds.
"This was a brutal, senseless murder," the release said. "The Kenner Police are in the early stages of this investigation and are asking the public’s assistance in identifying the two suspects pictured in surveillance photos."
Anyone willing to share information that can help police in the investigation can call CrimeStoppers at 504.822.1111 or toll-free 1.877.903.7867 or the Kenner Police at (504) 712-2222
This is a developing story, and it will be updated with the latest information available. Stick with WWLTV.com for the latest news.
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