JP shooting victim ID'd, police search for suspect

BOSTON -- Police continue to look for a gunman and getaway driver allegedly involved in a fatal shooting at a convenience store in Jamaica Plain.

The suspect attempted to rob the Tedeschi's Food Mart on Center Street around 3 p.m. Saturday. Police say the clerk, Surendra Dangol, refused to hand over money and was subsequently shot.

The newly-hired clerk, who was from Nepal and in his 30s, was covering another employee’s shift when the alleged attack occurred.

A Good Samaritan discovered the wounded Dangol and attempted to revive the clerk until emergency crews arrived.

Dangol was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.

Witnesses said the gunman fled the scene in a getaway car driven by a second suspect. Surveillance footage showed the pair in a four-door white sedan heading down Centre Street in the direction of the Jamaicaway.

Neighbors said they are shocked by the crime.

"It's a shame somebody was shot, and it happens in broad daylight, which you wouldn't believe, because there are a lot of police around here. They do their job too, 'cause they're always looking. I don't know how they get away with it," commented one local.

That store remained closed Sunday to allow crews to continue cleaning.

President and CEO Peter Tedeschi in a released statement called the incident a "senseless act of violence” and added that he was "deeply saddened" by the death.

The victim’s family arrived in Boston on Monday from California, grief-stricken by their loss. The family is praying that the suspect will be caught.

“He has a wife, little kids, you know, and tried to help them out you know, send some money, and just help his family,” said a friend of Dangol’s.

Friends from the Greater Boston Nepali Community said Dangol came to the United States from Nepal about five years ago through a federal program. His wife and 9-year old daughter, still residing in Nepal, were planning to move to the United States shortly.

As the police continue their investigation, friends and family are trying to understand why someone would do such a thing.

“He was a gentle man, yeah. We’re very saddened by this news,” said Utsab Gurang, a member of the Greater Boston Nepali Community.

The suspect did not get away with any money. Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to call police.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)