Grant Ronnebeck, a clerk at the QuikTrip near Stapley and Broadway, in Mesa, Arizona was murdered by a man who was in the country illegally. The 21-year-old Ronnebeck, is remembered as young man who was well-liked by both co-workers and customers.
Apolinar Altamirano, age 29, shot the young clerk as he was counting the change Altamirano had spilled on the counter to pay for his cigarettes. According to FOX10 News, while Ronnebeck was counting the change, Altamirano pulled out a gun and opened fire.
Sources close to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office report that Altamirano, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with burglary in 2012, but the County Attorney’s office allowed him to plead guilty to an amended charge of facilitation to commit burglary and he was placed on probation for two years. A judge had ordered notification of U.S. immigration officials, and Altamirano was given bond by federal immigration authorities after pleading guilty to the lesser charge.
Altamirano has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, armed robbery, burglary, unlawful flight and misconduct involving weapons because he is a prohibited possessor.
“An illegal has executed a convenience store clerk in Mesa. He was let out on probation for burglary,” said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. “Why was he not deported? A truly terrible, heartless crime. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims family.”
“The clerk at that point does grab a pack of cigarettes and hands them to the suspect, at which point the suspect shoots the clerk, even though he has just given him the pack of cigarettes,” Det. Steve Berry told FOX10 News.
After Altamirano fled, Mesa Police Det. Steve Berry told FOX10 News that a witness who heard the altercation and the shooting was able to flag down a Mesa police officer.
QuikTrip issued the following statement on the shooting:
“On behalf of the QuikTrip Family, we wish to express our deepest sympathies, our thoughts, and prayers to Grant’s family, his friends, and co-workers. There are not enough words to capture our profound sorrow. QuikTrip is absolutely devastated and heart-broken by the tragic loss of Grant.”
“Grant worked for QuikTrip for 4 and ½ years. He was extremely dedicated and very well-liked by his co-workers and customers. We will miss Grant’s constant smile and his drive to be the best.”
On May 28, 2014, an Order of Discharge from Probation – Misdemeanor Designation was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.