MESA, AZ — One person is dead and another is hospitalized after a shooting overnight at an East Valley convenience store.
The incident, believed to be "a robbery gone bad," reportedly happened around midnight at Z's Convenience near Dobson Road and Main Street in Mesa.
Det. Esteban Flores said two men, both in their 50s, were shot at the store and transported to a nearby hospital. One of the victims died from his injuries, and the other man remains in serious condition.
Flores said at least one of the victims was an employee of the store.
Police have identified the victim killed in the incident as 54-year-old Jose Alcaraz-Hernandez.
"I just want everyone to know how good of a person he was and this was such a senseless ridiculous act to do that to such a good person. They took away an angel," said Beverly Nixon, Hernandez's friend.
Police are working on any possible suspect information and will release more details as they continue to investigate the shooting, Flores said.
Shellie Berns, said she knew Jose for four years.
"He didn't deserve to die like this and I'm going to miss him," Berns said. "I have never felt more sad in my whole life."
Friends said the other man shot was Hernandez's friend, who is still hospitalized in serious condition.
Mesa police say if you have any information or know who's responsible, call them immediately.
