Clerk killed in Village Pantry robbery

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Metro Police are looking for two suspects tonight who shot a convenience store clerk in the head, killing her.  It happened at the Village Pantry on South Meridian and Arizona Streets.  Investigators say the victim worked third shift at the store for more than 20 years.

Crime scene tape surrounded this Village Pantry on Indianapolis' south side while police investigated a murder.  Just after 5 o'clock Saturday morning, investigators got a call to the convenience store.

"The crime actually took place just moments before the patron got here," said Sgt. Paul Thompson with IMPD.

Police said a customer noticed two men gathering items from behind the counter. Investigators said he attempted to confront them, but they ran away on foot.

When the customer went inside the store, investigators say he found the victim, 62-year-old Becky Hough on the floor.  Medics later arrived and pronounced Hough dead at the scene.

"It's just senseless that someone would have to go to that level and hurt someone that's been apart of this community for years," said Crystal Jellison of Indianapolis.

"I knew it was Becky and I had to get up and come out here and see what was going on and sad to find out it was Becky," said Karen Vaugh of Indianapolis.

News of Hough's death spread fast through the neighborhood. Several officers, who patrol this southside area, knew her. Crystal Jellison said she talked with Hough on Friday.

"I was in there yesterday morning before I went work to get me pop and everything that I do before I got to work and we were talking and everything was just fine.. it was normal," said Jellison.

Karen Vaughn said she's shocked someone would hurt her friend.

"It's a shame that they had to do that. Why couldn't they just take the stuff and leave," said Vaughn.

"She would have never fought back. Never would have fought back, she would have let them have what ever they wanted," said Jellison.

Several said the murder has turned their neighborhood upside down.

"I hope they catch them pretty quickly. I hope they've got it on tape and catch the people who did it," said Vaughn.

Investigators recovered surveillance video from the store. They're closely watching it, to find out exactly what happened.

Metro Police dayshift and middle shift officers will have roll call in the parking lot of the Village Pantry to let residents know they are working to find the suspects.

Police are looking for two white male suspects last seen leaving the business on foot headed south and east of the business.   They are described as being about 18 to 24-years-old.  5'8" tall, medium build, wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and dark pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS.