Dollar General manager shot, killed by customer buying $1.58 hamburger buns, police say
COLUMBUS, — A Dollar General store manager was shot and killed in Georgia, and the suspect was later killed after police said he opened fire on officers and a K-9 at a separate scene.
Investigators said 44-year-old Alexis Hill was shot and killed at the Dollar General just after 10 a.m. Tuesday. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan pronounced Hill dead around 10:45 a.m.
Bryan said a man came into the store to buy hamburger buns for $1.58 and handed Hill two crumpled $1 bills. As Hill straightened the cash, Bryan said the customer stepped to the side, pulled out a gun and shot her.
Police said the gunman ran from the store. A short time later, officers tracked him to a second scene near Baker Plaza Drive.
At that scene, Columbus police said the suspect shot an officer and a K-9. Officers returned fire, killing him.
The coroner identified the suspect as 33-year-old Jerome Willis.
Police said the injured officer has been treated and is expected to make a full recovery. K-9 Havoc is in stable condition but will require surgery.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the officer-involved shooting. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Police have not released any history or possible motive for Willis.
A friend of Hill described her as someone who was sweet and positive.
“She’d make you laugh. She loved that job, and she worked her entire butt off for that job,” the friend said.
Hill’s family said she was a mother of three boys.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.
Hill’s brother wrote on GoFundMe that the family is mourning “a beloved sister, friend, and member of our family whose sudden passing has left us heartbroken.”
