On July 7, 2020, Michael Scott Crabtree, a 36-year-old night manager at an Allsup's convenience store in Roswell, New Mexico, was fatally shot outside the store. The incident occurred after Crabtree confronted two men inside the store, accusing one of attempting to shoplift. The situation escalated when the men became upset, leading to a physical altercation in the parking lot. During this confrontation, Crabtree reportedly produced a knife, and shots were fired, resulting in his death.
Following the incident, Roswell police arrested three individuals in connection with the crime. A 16-year-old male was charged with murder for allegedly firing the fatal shots. Additionally, Michael Green, a 21-year-old man, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The third individual, the man initially accused of shoplifting, was not charged.
The tragic event highlighted the dangers faced by convenience store employees during late-night hours and underscored the potential for routine confrontations to escalate into violence. The community mourned the loss of Michael Crabtree, who was remembered as a loving, kind, and generous man.
