Goa CM expresses sorrow. State in touch with Indian consulate for bringing victim’s mortal remains to Goa
John Dias, a Goan footballer working as a store clerk at V Stop Food Mart was shot and killed on Sunday morning in northeast Houston, according to local media reports.
Investigators found Dias, 27, in the back room with at least one gunshot wound on his right shoulder, ABC 13 reported citing detective Kris Persad of Houston police.
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Originally from Chandor village of South Goa, Dias played as a goalkeeper for the local Chandor Football Club. He then worked on a cruise liner before moving to the US two years ago. An only child, he is survived by his mother.
Police did not confirm whether the shooting at 8:10 am in the 6500 block of Homestead Road resulted from a robbery or not. Officers are interviewing witnesses who were inside the store during the shooting.
A brief security video prior to this is said to show him attending to the customers when the assailant, approached the counter and shot Dias point blank.
Detectives said the suspect described as a Black man between the ages of 20 and 25, remains on the loose. He stands at about 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. Police said he was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants with white stripes and black shoes.
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“I grew up in this neighborhood, so we come here every day. John was family to us, like the other guys. All of them are considered family,” said a shocked Shakora Sharp, a frequent shopper at the store.
“It’s just heartbreaking, honestly, to even have to go through this. I know the guys, his coworkers, the manager, everybody’s hurt. Even the neighborhood because we’re so family-oriented.”
“Whoever did it, I hope they have at least some type of heart, some decency to turn yourself in. This is hurting not only the community, he has a family,” Sharp was quoted as saying.
Police urged people with any information, to contact Houston Police’s homicide division at (713) 308-3600.
Meanwhile, Goa state’s chief minister designate Pramod Sawant expressed sorrow on Dias’ death and assured the state government’s support in the repatriation of his mortal remains.
Read: CM condoles death of Goan shot dead in Texas store (March 22, 2022)
“Saddened by the tragic incident in USA leading to the death of a young Goan, John Dias from Cuncolim,†Sawant tweeted. “I express my heartfelt condolences to the family. May God give them strength to bear this irreparable loss.â€
“The office of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs Goa is already in touch with the Consulate General of India, Houston, USA for seeking their assistance for bringing the mortal remains of late John Dias to Goa, so that his family can have the funeral in Goa,” he added.