Jimmy Khela, a 38-year-old convenience store clerk, was fatally shot on June 25, 2016, during an armed robbery at the Pronto Food Store on East Long Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a man, later identified as Christian Silva, 20, entered the store and shot Khela despite the clerk following Silva's directions.
Surveillance video and witness accounts indicate that Khela did not resist the robbery and was shot without provocation. A woman working at the store at the time jumped out of the drive-thru window as shots were being fired and later called the store's owner to report the incident.
Khela was pronounced dead 15 minutes after the shooting. Police believe Silva may have been responsible for additional robberies in the area and noted that he had previously been a customer at the Pronto Food Store, recognized by the owner from a previous arrest.
Christian Silva turned himself in to Fort Worth police on Wednesday afternoon, following the release of his name and photograph by investigators. According to an arrest affidavit, Silva had been consuming Xanax bars and drinking cough syrup before the alleged shooting and fired his handgun believing that Khela was reaching for a weapon, although no money was taken during the robbery.
Jimmy Khela was a well-respected member of the community, known for his kindness and generosity. He worked two jobs, driving a bus at the airport and working weekends at the store. He was deeply devoted to his family, including his wife, Mariam Rizk, and their two children, a 2-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter. His family and friends were devastated by his death, with his wife expressing the profound impact of his loss on their lives.
The community gathered to mourn Khela's death, remembering him as a fun-loving and helpful individual who often assisted customers in need. A GoFundMe account was set up to support his family following the tragedy.
