Columbia, South Carolina, USA: Nearly a month after the fatal shooting of Indian American store owner Kiran Patel outside her convenience store in Union, South Carolina, grief and frustration continue to impact the community as her family demands the strictest legal action against the alleged attacker.
Patel, 49, was shot on September 16 outside DD’s Food Mart on South Pinckney Street. Authorities reported that a masked individual entered the store around 10:30 p.m., fired shots during what appeared to be a robbery attempt, then pursued Patel into the parking lot and shot her at close range. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Patel collapsing roughly 20 feet from the store entrance.
According to news reports citing security camera footage, the suspect demanded money from Patel before the shooting. When Patel resisted and threw an object at him, he fired inside the store, chased her outside, and shot her.
Police apprehended 21-year-old Zaedan “Zayden” Mack Hill following a tense standoff two days later. Hill, who is also accused of another fatal incident that same day, is facing charges including homicide, armed robbery, and weapons violations. A judge has denied him bond, and his next court date is scheduled for December 1 in Union County.
Patel had been a resident of Union for approximately 14 years and had worked at DD’s Food Mart for the last two. Her death has deeply affected the local community and raised concerns among other convenience store owners about personal safety.
“We want the strictest punishment,” a family member told local reporters, noting that Patel had moved to Union seeking a better life for her loved ones.
The shooting has also intensified concerns about public safety in the area. On the same day as Patel’s death, 67-year-old Charles Nathan Crosby was found deceased on South Mountain Street. Residents have expressed worry over recent shootings, and law enforcement is investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
Friends and customers remembered Patel as a dedicated and compassionate individual. “She was an essential part of our daily lives,” one customer shared. “This store will never feel the same without her.”
As Hill awaits trial, Patel’s family and the Union community continue to call for justice while mourning the tragic loss of a beloved community member.
