Police: Rowan Co. store owner found shot to death in apparent robbery

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — The owner of a Rowan County store was shot and killed during a robbery, investigators said.

Detectives said they are continuing to work up leads from evidence they gathered at the scene overnight, and they are now seeking any witnesses or customers who may have been there after the shooting at about 9:30 p.m. Monday.

The Sheriff's Office has identified the victim as the store owner, Hecham Abualeinan. Authorities said he was behind the counter of the Z & H Mart on Mooresville Road Monday night when someone came in and shot him in the head during a robbery.

Detectives are working with SBI agents on the case, and Eyewitness News saw investigators on scene Tuesday morning, taking photographs.

Customers have also been there throughout the morning to pay their respects and leave a small memorial to the victim they called a nice guy.

“He was really kind to people, really kind to people,” customer Vickie Currin said. “You'd come in here and he was always kind to you, talked to you and stuff like that.”

To see images of the possible witnesses to this incident, click here.

WSOC