Gurminder Gary Singh Parmar, a 56-year-old beloved liquor store clerk from Lodi, California, tragically lost his life on November 13, 2020. Parmar, known affectionately as Gary, was shot and killed during a robbery at Tokay Liquors, the store he owned on E. Lockeford Street. On that fateful night, Lodi police officers responded to a call and found Parmar with a gunshot wound to his chest.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts by officers and emergency medical personnel, Parmar was pronounced dead at the scene. His death sent shockwaves through the community, which remembered him as a kind and compassionate individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
The investigation into Parmar's murder led to the arrest of four suspects. Initially, three men from Stockton—Sheridan Thomas, 20, Maleek Carter-Rea, 19, and Larry Thornton, 19—were apprehended and charged with murder and robbery. Thomas and Carter-Rea faced additional charges of conspiracy, with Thomas also being charged as a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and Carter-Rea for violating parole. A few days later, a fourth suspect, a 17-year-old male from Stockton, was also arrested and charged with murder and robbery. Due to his age, the identity of the fourth suspect was not disclosed.
The arrests were the result of a collaborative effort between the Lodi Police Department and the Stockton Police Department. The suspects were held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail. The community's response to Parmar's death was one of profound grief and support for his family. A GoFundMe account was established to help cover funeral expenses and support Parmar's family, quickly raising significant funds.
Parmar's murder was not the first violent incident at Tokay Liquors. In 2012, Parmar himself had been involved in a shooting at the store when he shot an unarmed man suspected of shoplifting. The charges against Parmar in that case were later dismissed. The tragic events of November 13, 2020, however, marked a devastating end to Parmar's life and left a lasting impact on the Lodi community. The investigation into his murder remains active, with authorities continuing to seek information from the public to ensure justice for Parmar and his family.
