In the city of Philadelphia, a community was shaken by the violent and untimely death of 67-year-old Aruna KumKum Mittal. A wife of 47 years, a mother of three, and a grandmother of seven, she was a beloved figure in her family and a familiar face in her Ogontz neighborhood. Together with her husband, she ran the Any Checks Cashed store on Old York Road, a business that would tragically become the scene of her final moments.
On a Tuesday afternoon, Aruna Mittal was returning to her shop
just after 1:00 p.m. when she was followed inside by a man with a gun. The assailant forced her past the security door and into a back office. In a brave act of defiance, she fought back against her attacker. It was during this struggle that the gunman fired a single, fatal shot, striking her in the chest. Her body was discovered in the back room by a customer who had entered the store and couldn't find any employees. Police were called to the scene just after 1:15 p.m. and she was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the murder of the female business owner quickly led authorities to a suspect. Within days, police arrested 64-year-old Robert Jiles in connection with the fatal shooting. He was subsequently charged with murder, criminal homicide, robbery, and several firearms violations. The arrest brought a sense of relief to the local community, which had been deeply saddened and concerned by the violent crime that had taken place in broad daylight.
The loss of Aruna Mittal was deeply felt by her family and those who knew her. Her eldest son spoke of his father's overwhelming grief and remembered his mother as a hardworking and honorable woman who was devoted to her family. Neighbors and fellow business owners in the area recalled her as a friendly and smiling presence. Her death left a void in the community and served as a somber reminder of the impact of violent crime.
