Mississippi Security Guard Murdered with Own Gun by Teen Thieves

A tragic event unfolded in the early morning hours of Monday in Jackson, Mississippi, resulting in the death of Roy Love, a 60-year-old security guard at M&M Food Mart. Love was known for his dedication to his work, often remarked by his neighbors.

Tony Williams, a local resident, stated, “He came to work every day.”
Similarly, another neighbor, Jackie Kitchens, attested, “This man gets up every day and comes to work.”

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when three teens, two aged seventeen and one sixteen, arrived at the store. Love, suspecting mischief, attempted to persuade them to leave the premises. Instead of complying, the trio allegedly decided to rob Love.

In the ensuing altercation, they somehow managed to steal Love’s firearm, using it to take his life. Police Chief Joseph Wade, after viewing the surveillance footage, described the incident with shock and disbelief.

“They attacked him, took his weapon, and fired on him with [it],” Wade reported at a press conference. “This was very bold. They were trying to steal the security guard’s gun, and they got it and killed him in the process — unbelievable.”

Despite the provocation, Love did not use his weapon, the police chief added. Following the shooting, the local police received a tip that led them to an area less than half a mile from the M&M Food Mart. There, they found and apprehended the three teenagers.

Love’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the community. “I can’t believe it, man,” expressed Tony Williams, Love’s friend. “He was well known in the neighborhood, a neighborhood legend. … A great guy. It’s mind-blowing.”

Love was known not only for his commitment to his job but also for his protective nature. Jackie Kitchens recalled Love’s vigilance, stating, “He sees us pull up out here. If it’s women, he’s going to come out here to make sure we’re in there safe and come back to our cars safe.”

Following the tragic incident, the three teenagers have been charged with capital murder and are being held without bail. Their identities are not disclosed due to their minor status.

Kitchens, grieving the loss of her neighbor, said with a heavy heart, “For them to try and take his little gun from him, that’s just sad.” The community mourns the loss of Love, a man who devoted his life to ensuring their safety. “He will be missed,” Kitchens concluded.

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

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