BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — The community is showing their support for the families of two double murder victims who were gunned down at a gas station Saturday night.
Just a couple hundred bucks — that’s what family members say cost Cherrytree Food Mart owner Bahadur Dhillon, 62, and his employee, Anthony Tramble, 56, their lives.
“They got what they wanted and they still shot him,” said Dhillon’s nephew Jay Salim.
Their killers are still out there, and the men’s loved ones say the crime in the city is getting out of control.
Salim says Dhillon had owned the store for about 14 years, after coming from India to make a better life for his family.
Dhillon’s youngest son drove more than five hours from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville when he found out.
“Thoughts just racing,” Jasbir Khatiro said. “I was just hoping he’s okay and hoping my family can stay strong.”
Salim tells WREG this was just one of many times his uncle’s store has been hit — the last time only two weeks ago.
And he says the crime in the neighborhood is getting worse every day.
“Robberies, shootings, there’s just no end to the violence,” he said. “This has got to stop. The good people of this town are gonna get chased away. It’s getting hard to raise your family here. Why would you want to raise your family here?”
“My heart’s heavy,” Khatiro said. “I just hope the community can come together and make a change.”
A memorial outside the store has been growing by the hour. Customers and people who live nearby have been stopping by since the news broke Saturday night, leaving stuffed animals, candles and flowers, and sharing their grief with the families.
When Tramble’s estranged wife got the call, she was in shock.
“It hit me like a brick,” Suzanne Tramble said. “I`m like, `What? What’s going on? Why, what, where?'”
She says her first concern was their seven children.
“What went through my mind is, ‘Lord, help my kids,’ she said. “I just didn’t think this would happen like this. I never thought anyone would murder him.”
Now, the families are pleading for someone to step forward.
“If anyone knows anything, we’d greatly appreciate it,” Khatiro said. “My dad was a great man, never hurt anybody.”
Police haven’t released a suspect description but said there were three men involved in the shooting.
Blytheville Police will give a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Police said the public can also make donations to increase the reward through Southern Bancorp of Blytheville at 120 S. 2nd St. Call 870-763-4443 to donate.
Call or text the tip line at 870-278-7260 if you have any information that could help solve the case. You can stay anonymous.