BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. – A suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a liquor store owner on his last night of work before his retirement, police announced on Wednesday.
Eric Colbert, 27, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder with a firearm and armed robbery.
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The fatal shooting was reported by a customer Nov. 22, 2015, after the victim, Ali Arezoumandifar, 79, of Jupiter, was found dead inside the Liquor Market on Congress Avenue.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Colbert, who lived near the liquor store, went to the store that night with up to two others to rob the business.
Detectives said Colbert confessed to the robbery and said that he chose the business because he knew the area was quiet and that there was usually only one person working inside the store.
Colbert also confessed to firing his gun, but claimed that he intentionally missed in an attempt to get the victim to hurry up, police said.
Detectives said Colbert told them that he and his accomplice were leaving the store when the accomplice turned and shot the victim.
Arezoumandifar was shot once in the left abdomen area. A second bullet had been shot through a cabinet behind the counter.
Colbert went to a hotel after the robbery to split up the more than $400 that was taken, the report said.
Detectives said Arezoumandifar had recently sold the store and was continuing to work there to help the new owner get acclimated to the business. Arezoumandifar planned to retire at the end of his shift that night.
The victim's family has set up a GoFundMe page to offer a reward to anyone who comes forward with information about the victim's killer.