New Haven Police released surveillance video Wednesday in their search for the man who shot and killed a store manager.
Abdul Rawas, 55, was killed during a robbery at Orchard Market on Orchard Street in New Haven Tuesday morning.
“He my best friend, 20 years, best friend for 20 years and he was a very good man,” said Nedel Masalmeh, who owns Orchard Market.
Nedel Masalmeh said there was no reason for this robber to shoot Rawas.
“He got like five or six robberies. He always give the money. I don't know what happened,” he said.
Police are following up on leads and searching for the man who shot Rawas. They released new surveillance video showing the suspect first walking into the store, dressed in a two-toned hooded sweatshirt, then walking through the store by the soda case. They're asking everyone to take a good look at the video and see if they know the man.
“I really hope they find who killed that man, because it was wrong. That was a good man,” said Johnny Tobin, who knew Rawas from the store.
Many people in the community are still reeling from the store manager's death.
“You don't need to kill someone to rob ‘em. Just take the money and leave,” said Tobin.
“He didn't deserve that. Who would think to do this to this guy?” asked John Valentino, another store customer. “He would help people out. Even if, he would just help you out, if you didn't have money and you were hungry, he would give you food. If you needed a good word he'd give it to you. He was that real."
Police are asking anyone with information to give the New Haven Police Department a call. You can reach Detective Michael Wuchek at 203-668-3022, or call Sgt. Tony Reyes at 203-687-0544.
Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut/New Haven Police