On June 11, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded at the EZ Mart Liquor Store in Visalia, California, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Krish Singh. Singh, the son of store owner Partap Singh, was working as a clerk when two teenagers attempted an armed robbery around 11 p.m.
Surveillance footage revealed that a 16-year-old suspect entered the store and immediately pointed a firearm at the clerks.
In response, Krish Singh retrieved his own weapon, leading to a shootout between him and the assailant. Both sustained critical injuries; Singh was found deceased inside the store, while the 16-year-old was located in the parking lot and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
A second suspect, a 15-year-old boy, fled the scene during the altercation. He was apprehended on August 10, 2023, in Porterville on a robbery warrant. Authorities have charged him with homicide and conspiracy, and he is currently held at the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Partap Singh expressed profound grief over the loss of his only child. The family initiated efforts to repatriate Krish's body to India for burial, seeking community support to cover the associated expenses.
The EZ Mart Liquor Store remained closed for several days following the incident as the family mourned and made necessary repairs. The local community offered condolences and support during this difficult time.
