'He was my best friend': Son makes emotional plea to find store clerk's killer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The son of a beloved west Charlotte store clerk who was shot to death during a robbery is making an emotional plea to catch his father's killer.

[ALSO READ: Authorities release footage of suspect in deadly west Charlotte gas station shooting]

It's been more than a week since Ismael Doumbia was shot and killed at a Shell gas station on Freedom Drive where he worked the past 17 years.

Doumbia's son, Youssef, said his family's life has changed forever since losing his beloved father.

"He wasn't just my dad, he was my best friend. The person that always wanted me to succeed. Never wanted to see me fail," Youssef said at a news conference held to help find justice in the case.

Family members said Doumbia was building two homes in West Africa and had plans to visit and check on the progress soon.

"I just want everyone to know he didn’t die in vain,” said Youssef.

Everyone who spoke about Doumbia fought back tears as they asked people to come forward with tips to find his killer.

"This has been a real loss for all of us,” said Doumbia's brother Abdul Cisse.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released surveillance video in the hopes that someone recognizes the suspect.

“The person entered the store with a mask and in an apparent robbery attempt shot Mr. Doumbia. A hard-working man providing for his family,” said Captain Dance, with CMPD. "I think that somebody in this community knows who's responsible for doing this.”

During the news conference, Doumbia's family shared what they loved the most about him.

[ALSO READ: Family, friends honor murdered store clerk as killer remains at large]

“He was an angel to us. Hard-working man,” said friend George Mea.

Youssef promised he would continue to strive in every aspect of his life to honor his father's memory.

“The morning that I learned about his passing. I was supposed to go to the bus stop and take my exams. I couldn’t take it that day. I tried taking it the next day, now everyone knows that my head, I couldn’t think straight, but I have to continue to try to push through to provide for my mother and to achieve the goals he set out for me,” Youssef said.

There is a $50,000 reward for any tips that could lead to an arrest.

Cox Media Group