Leesburg, Florida – A Florida jury has found a 26-year-old man guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery after a convenience store clerk was shot to death while speaking to his wife on a FaceTime call, a crime that prosecutors say netted the gunman less than $100.
Fatal Robbery at Leesburg Convenience Store
The verdict was delivered Wednesday in the Lake County courtroom, where Alex Lopez, 26, was convicted in the killing of Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, a 51-year-old store clerk and father of five. The shooting occurred on May 30, 2024, inside the M & M Food Mart in Leesburg, located roughly 40 miles northwest of Orlando.
Judge Brian Welke sentenced Lopez to life in prison without the possibility of parole, bringing a close to a case that deeply affected both the victim’s family and the local community.
Wife Witnessed Final Moments on FaceTime
One of the most harrowing aspects of the trial was the testimony from Monique Shihadeh, the victim’s wife, who was on a FaceTime call with her husband at the moment the robbery unfolded.
According to her testimony, she heard her husband repeatedly say “no, no” before a gunshot rang out. She described desperately trying to understand what was happening as her husband stopped responding.
“I kept asking him, ‘What is happening? What’s going on?’” she told the jury. “He never responded. He never said anything. All of a sudden, I saw a blur pass across the screen and I screamed.”
Prosecutors said that “blur” was Lopez stepping over Shihadeh’s body and firing a second shot as the victim lay wounded on the store floor.
Less Than $100 Taken
Investigators determined that Lopez fled the store with less than $100 in cash and a vape, a detail repeatedly emphasized during the trial to underscore the senselessness of the killing.
A customer later entered the store and heard Monique Shihadeh screaming through the phone. The customer discovered the clerk lying on the floor and immediately called 911.
Emergency Response and Death
Police officers and emergency responders rushed to the scene, finding Raied Shihadeh suffering from gunshot wounds to the abdomen and head. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital, but doctors were unable to save him and pronounced him dead shortly after arrival.
Investigation and Arrest
Detectives released surveillance images of the suspect to the public, prompting multiple tips. One of those tips came from Lopez’s own cousin, who identified him to authorities.
Lopez remained on the run for several weeks before being arrested at a hotel in Kissimmee, ending an intensive manhunt.
Prosecutors React to Verdict
Following the conviction, State Attorney Bill Gladson issued a statement condemning the crime and highlighting the impact on the victim’s family.
“Less than a hundred dollars is what this ruthless, wannabe thug valued over the victim’s life,” Gladson said. “While this verdict, nor any amount of money, can bring the victim back, we hope his family finds comfort in knowing this killer won’t walk free again.”
Community Impact and Family Loss
Raied Shihadeh was remembered during the trial as a hardworking family man devoted to his wife and five children. Loved ones described him as someone who took pride in supporting his family and serving his community through his work.
The case has renewed conversations in the region about late-night retail worker safety, armed robberies, and the lasting trauma experienced by families who witness violent crimes in real time.
Case Conclusion
With Lopez now sentenced to life in prison, the legal process has concluded, though the emotional scars remain for those closest to the victim. The prosecution emphasized that the conviction ensures accountability, even as the loss remains immeasurable.
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