Friends raise money for store clerk fatally shot in attempted robbery

CUMBERLAND, Ind. (WISH) — Friends are trying to help the family of a store clerk who was shot and killed during an attempted robbery in Cumberland.

It happened at the Cumberland Express Mart on Jan. 15.

Three people have been charged in connection to the death of Khuswinder “Mintu” Singh, 25.

Friends said Mintu was working to support his family back in India when his life was cut short. Investigators said he was shot and killed while training a new employee almost two weeks ago.

Cumberland Exrpres Mart was quiet Thursday evening. The store has been closed since the crime. A memorial filled with flowers, teddy bears and notes now sits at the front door for the store clerk.

Thursday would have been his 26th birthday.

“If you’re having a bad day, you walked in, and you walked out of the store laughing,” said Sarah Gill, victim’s friend. “He just made you feel good.”

Sarah Gill said her husband was good friends with Mintu. She said he rushed to the scene after receiving news about the attempted robbery.

“At first they were in shocked,” said Gill. “They couldn’t believe it. My husband kept saying, he’s like, it doesn’t feel like it’s real.”

Police arrested three people, including two 17-year-olds. They’re charged with murder and awaiting their next court hearing.

“He was just very, very loving person,” said Gill.

Gill said Mintu worked in Lafayette at a gas station before moving to Indianapolis. Many customers shared memories of him online.

“He was a very good person. He just really cared for his family. He always made people laugh,” said Gill.

Gill started a GoFundMe page to raise money for his family. She said the money will help pay for his funeral and for his family to say goodbye.

“They haven’t seen him since he lived here he came here in 2010. He’s never seen his parents again or his brother and it sucks they have to see him like this,” said Gill. “But you know it’s like one last time.”

So far they have raised more than $2,000.

Click here for more information on how you can help.