Market Owner Killed in Robbery
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The owner of an Azusa convenience store was shot and killed during an apparent robbery attempt just after closing time, police said Saturday.
Somchai Vissessmith, 42, of Cerritos and a cousin, Vivapun Chongkasen, were carrying a briefcase containing the day’s receipts to a car when they were accosted by a gunman outside the Top Market at 503 N. Azusa Ave. at about 9 p.m. Friday, Chongkasen told police.
Vissessmith was shot while he struggled with the man. He died a short time later at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina. The gunman fled without taking any property, police said. No arrests have been made.
According to a relative, Vissessmith, a native of Thailand, had operated the store for about four years. He was married and had two young children.
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