Samuel Tesfaye Choyena, a 48-year-old male of Ethiopian descent, was tragically killed on November 10, 2020, while working the graveyard shift at a 7-Eleven store located at Forest Lane and Marsh Lane in Dallas, Texas. Choyena, described by family and friends as a hardworking employee and a family man, was found dead on the floor by Dallas police officers who responded to a shooting call shortly after midnight.
The incident occurred during an attempted robbery at the store, where Choyena was shot multiple times while struggling with the robbers.
The suspects involved in the robbery included Cesar Albert Molina, a 22-year-old male, and a 17-year-old male whose identity has not been disclosed. Molina was found critically injured at the scene and later died at an area hospital. Sources indicate that Molina was stabbed multiple times in the face by Choyena in an act of self-defense. The 17-year-old suspect was also injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. Upon his release, he was booked into jail and charged with murder.
The investigation into the incident revealed that three men and two women were involved in the robbery attempt. The men entered the store to rob it, while the women remained outside. The police questioned the women but have not shared any further information publicly. The community mourned the loss of Choyena, with neighbors setting up a makeshift memorial outside the store and friends of the family organizing a GoFundMe campaign to help his wife, Tigist Degifie, and their daughter with expenses.
The tragic death of Samuel Choyena highlights the dangers faced by employees working late-night shifts and the impact of violent crimes on families and communities. The investigation into the robbery and subsequent murder of Choyena continues, with law enforcement working to gather more information and bring those responsible to justice.
