Murdered Store Clerk Feared For Her Safety
Murdered Store Clerk Feared For Her Safety Save Email Print
Two sought in shooting of robbery victim
Posted: 6:43 AM Jan 2, 2009
 Last Updated: 9:46 PM Jan 4, 2009
 Reporter: Justin Joseph
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
168 comments
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The pastor of the Bellevue church Laura Pierce attended says she was concerned for her safety working overnights at an Omaha convenience store. Pierce was shot during a robbery last Friday and died a short time later.

Two armed men entered the Kwik Shop on 33rd and Q streets around 2 a.m. The 42-year-old Pierce appeared to have cooperated with their demands, but was still shot. A surveillance camera taped the two gunmen, who completely covered their faces. Police said they left in a waiting car.

When officers arrived they found Pierce on the floor with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital in critical condition where she died.

Pierce's death was the city's first murder of 2009. Omaha set a record for homicides in 2008 with 43.

Kwik Shop is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Pierce's murder. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 444-7867.

Police continue to investigate and receive tips. We're told one of those tips came in as recently as Sunday afternoon concerning people visiting the store who had made a remark about shooting people.

Pierce, pictured above in a 1984 photo, didn't have an easy life. "She had had a number of obstacles in her life throughout the years and when she came to us about five years ago she started to realize the grace of God in her life," says Thanksgiving Lutheran Church Pastor Glenn Harless.

Among those obstacles was dealing with the death of her parents. Pierce was moving forward after rediscovering her faith at her Bellevue church.

"Over time, there was some healing that came to her I think and she was setting new goals for her life and things were looking good for her," says Pastor Harless.

"She had been trained to hand over whatever was asked of her and she complied with that and I guess that wasn't good enough for whomever attacked her."

Pastor Harless says Pierce was an intensely private person, until recently when she opened up about her fear of working nights at Kwik Shop.

"She liked her job and liked the people she worked with, but working nights, there was concern for her safety and that just weighed on her I think."

As a pastor, making sense out of the unexplainable comes more easily to Harless than most people. "We're going to hold on to God's promises of eternal life for Laura and lift that up for her friends and families as well."

Now he prepares to say goodbye to his friend. "It was hard to get to know her, but as you did so and as she let you into her life, you discover this very gentle, kind person."

The family is asking that donations be sent to Thanksgiving Lutheran Church in Bellevue.
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Posted by: LC on Jan 10, 2009 at 01:57 PM
I first off want to thank every one who has posted here. Laura is very proud to see so many defend her, stand up for her and all who work THE NIGHT SHIFT. She worked nights partly cause she had to and partly cause she wanted to. She loved her job and her customers so very much. She wouldn't want you all arguing about senseless things. We all need to STAND UP and be counted on and for. Help find who did this ok. Listen to what is being said near and around you. YOU will be the ones who give her the JUSTICE she deserves. It is partly Kwik shops fault but mostly it is the way this world has gone crazy,,Killing people for what,,a few dollars. I want to know WHY, they needed to kill her. PLEASE,,Help find them,,And I know FIRST HAND,,she would want the Death Pentalty for them. A life for a life. God Bless You All. In Laura's Name...
Posted by: Ritchie on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:06 AM
im going too miss her very much i,ve should have been there to protect her.she was a very good person
Posted by: Reid on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:57 PM
What a horrific thing that happened! They should put securities everywhere you go, to stop those kind of crimes. They should of NEVER shot her. She did not deserve that kind of thing at all. Hopefully the killers will get death sentence for that. The penalties should be much tougher on violent crimes. That is an extremely scary situation. My prayers would be with families and friends of that victim.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Sure she feared for ner safety - she worked nights solo in a convenience store. I did too, but I carried a gun (yes, plenty of training), ans still worried about being robbed.
Posted by: scared citizen on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:10 AM
I don't know why so many of you think these stores should open all night with one clerk. If you need something, go to 24 hour stores that have several employees. Go to Walgreens, Walmart, etc. These convenient stores that are open 24 hours are leaving people too vulnerable to crime. I'm sure she was scared working in that area alone. At least put them behind bullet proof glass. Saving one life would be worth the cost.
Posted by: Annette on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:52 AM
I see some gas stations with bulletproof glass protecting the employees. I totally agree with a lot of other posters, why can't all convenience stores offer this protection to their employees???
Posted by: Sey on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:25 AM
I can't believe people are saying that gas stations should be closed along with all other businesses at evening. First off your grocery store has workers there all night because they have to prepare for you to come in the next day. So would you rather not eat? Secondly Some people have jobs that require them to ya know - Travel. And if your going to close the stores at night, then how are people going to eat while they travel?? I know you can't be serious about packing your every meal for a week in a vehicle. Thirdly, Store owners do the best they can. Not everyone can work during the day for having children. Not everyone can work at night. Having more people working at night does help people with a job but if you know anything about profit and loss then you would understand that it is not always cost efficient to have another person on when business is slow. Why should a business lose money being fearful of criminals?! Police officers do the best they can. I am sorry for the victim
Posted by: Duh on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Hey "taxpayer", which gang is it that is doing gang intiations by having their recruits kill clerks? Seems to me you've been watching too much TV and movies. The gang unit will be gathering intel from the thugs on the street and if there are people talking about who did this they'll hear about it, but it's the homicide detectives that will be working it and conducting follow-up.
Posted by: mike on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:08 PM
may they be found quickly...and my prayers to her family and friends
Posted by: Andrew on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:36 PM
This is just one more reason for Concealed Carry!! Start shooting back and these scum bags will stop shooting innocents!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:53 PM
You that think securing our borders wouldn't slow crime down in Omaha and all of the US are either dumb as a rock or deaf and VERY dumb, maybe even blind. When the arrests are made, you'll all see you were wrong, AGAIN. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Why can't we encase all workers in magical armor that will prevent any risk of even a paper cut? We can't, so we should all stay home and hide.
Posted by: kyle on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:11 PM
I think if their was two people working then we would have been hearing about two murders. NOt just one. The guys that did this were the devil. the were looking to hurt someone. The blame should not be on the store. I use to work at a kwik shop. We talk about what to do in problem like what happend here. but not what to do if we get shot.. I loved working for Kwik shop. I worked over night by my self and i was nevr scared. WE NEED TO PUT THE BLAME ON THE GUYS WHO DID THIS TO HER. NOT KWIK SHOP.. STOP WORRYING ABOUT KWIK SHOP SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS AND THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT. WHAT ABOUT THIS GUYS. THE SHOULD HAVE NEVER SHOT HER. THEY NEED TO GET CAUGHT. THANKS NOW I DONT WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE STORE. I MEAN ITS ABOUT THESE TWO GUYS THAT SHOT AND KILLED HER. I HOPE THEY GET FINGER-PRINTS BECAUSE THEIR WAS ONE GUY WHO DID NOT HAVE GLOVES ON. AND HE WAS TOUCHING STUFF. SO POLICE I HOPE YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED. BUT WHAT TOOK THE POLICE OVER 30 MINUTES TO GET THERE AFTER SHE CALLED??????????
Posted by: Jerry on Jan 5, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Why can't bullet proof glass enclosures be provided by convenience store owners to protect clerks who make profits for owners?It certainly would be worth the cost.
Posted by: Rachel on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Secure our borders? It's funny for some reason I don't think SCUMism is racist nor does it discriminate. SCUM can be white, yellow, brown, purple, and black.! And to the family of the victim god bless you.
Posted by: Holly on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Everyone that is talking about closing these stores at night are idiots. Sure it would be a great idea if EVERYONE worked 9-5, but that is not reality. What about some of us that go to work at 3am and get off at 3pm? Why should we have less options that you? Why should we not be allowed to shop at our convience? Yes, it is very very sad about what happened and my heart goes out. I do agree that there should be some kind of bulletproof glass or the use of being "buzzed" into a store. If everyone who wants in a store must show their face perphaps that would help as a determent for criminals.
Posted by: taxpayer on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:33 PM
So she did what she was told and they still shot her... Sounds like some sort of gang initiation. Has OPD's gang unit been involved here? Once again, let's forget about a new baseball stadium and hire some more police officers to crack down on these thugs and keep us safe!!
Posted by: Ann on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I would like to know why all of you people who consider themselves model citizens get on here with anger and obnoxious comments for one another. Glad you don't have a gun and a mask.
Posted by: Stan on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:18 PM
To "Anonymous" responding to Lynda. Are you kidding me? Look at the picture of the scum in the white mask. Look at his right hand on the counter. That hand looks BLACK to me. He is leaving a good set of fingerprints there. It will be only time before he is caught.
Posted by: Say What on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Linda, you can't see what color they are, unless you know something you aren't telling.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Lynda, they are completely covered how can you tell they are black? How can anyone tell what color they are? I can't even see them at all!
Posted by: lo on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:17 AM
poor girl. my heart aches for her and her family/friends. rest in God's arms.
Posted by: Lynda on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Hey anonymous...check this out...they were black which borders would you like us to secure? Racist!
Posted by: 15 Most Dangerous Cities... on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:22 AM
#1 New Orleans LA; #2 Camden NJ; #3 Detroit MI; #4 St.Louis MO; #5 Oakland CA; #6 Flint MI; #7 Gary, IN; #8 Birmingham AL; #9 Richmond CA; #10 North Charleston SC; #11 Cleveland OH; #12 Baltimore MD; #13 Miami Gardens FL; #14 Memphis TN; #15 Youngstown OH. (DON'T SEE OMAHA, NE ANYWHERE) TOP 15 WORST STATES FOR 2008 - #1 Nevada, #2 Louisiana, #3 New Mexico, #4 South Carolina, #5 Arizona, #6 Tennessee, #7 Maryland, #8 Alaska, #9 Florida, #10 Michigan, #11 Arkansas, #12 Delaware, #13 California, #14 Texas, #15 Alabama. (DON'T EVEN SEE NEBRASKA HERE EITHER) Google is a wonderful thing. If you want to go spouting off bogus statistics at least do a little research first. In fact if you go to www.citi-data.com and search Omaha, NE you will find that crime has significantly decreased for the 9 years that is posted. They need to update 2008 yet. Crime is "above average" but certainly not the WORST. You can always move to IOWA - they were ranked the #8 Safest State to live in.
Posted by: Dave on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:04 AM
I say we put a bounty out for the thugs..Dead or Alive...of course dead would get you a bigger "booty"
Posted by: Sandra on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:02 AM
What does "secure the boarders" have to do with this??? if you look good enough at the shot of the video, on the news, you will see these scum bags are African-american...look at their fingers...Yes South O can be dangerous, just like any other part of the city..there is scum everywhere,..Too bad Fahey would rather build a stadium, or a walk way, instead of concentrating on the safety of the city.
Posted by: laughing out loud on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:37 AM
secure the borders. brilliant, that will stop the violence here in omaha.
Posted by: Mac on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:36 AM
25 k ? I wish I knew them . Because I'd be $25,000 richer in 2 minutes.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Seriously people! The real answer is SECURE OUR BORDER's What kind of scum shoots an innocent woman like this, if I lived anywhere in South Omaha I'd stay very close to a loaded gun until they catch these SCUM BAG COWARDS!
Posted by: ginger on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:23 AM
i think they shot her as she knew who they were they were regulars..hope there found and call jail there home for next 99 yrs,she was a kind person to all the kids what a shame ..
Posted by: Omahan on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:05 AM
First of all, I can't believe they opened the store so quickly. I wouldn't think the employees at that store would have been able to deal with working there so quickly after the clerk was killed. Second, how sad that she was so afraid to work nights but needed the job. I can only imagine how scary that must have been for her when she saw those masked thugs come in the door. Killing her was senseless and uncalled for since she gave them the money. The scarier thing is that these guys are still on the loose. I hope and pray they catch them soon before they do this to someone else. They obviously have no regard for human life. R.I.P. Laura. I didn't know you but I'm outraged by this senseless crime. I do think there should be at least two clerks on duty. Maybe one of them could call for help. If the clerks are scared to work the graveyard shift, they shouldn't be made to do it. Let's show some sympathy to other clerks and help them help themselves.
Posted by: PS on Jan 4, 2009 at 10:33 PM
two people on an overnight shift will not stop these robbers, they went there to kill someone, not just take the money. She gave them the money, they could have just left. I know for a fact that police officers stop by there at night, because I know one that does.
Posted by: D on Jan 4, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Im curious to know what Kwik Shop having two employees would have done to keep this woman alive? ANy of you blow hards going to work for what probably 8 bucks an hour and be that second person? You know the second person who probably would have been victim number 2 in this case. Its not Kwik SHops fault, keep the blame on the criminals where it belongs. You know the ones who actually commited the crime.
Posted by: Danny on Jan 4, 2009 at 09:03 PM
When I drive by Metro's South Omaha campus and see this Kwik Shop during the day, even if my car is on E, I do not go there. It is scary!
Posted by: frmr convenience worker on Jan 4, 2009 at 08:47 PM
i used to work in a convenience store (not a kwik shop) and we had a 5 minute training overview for safety when we were hired and that was it. these stores dont really care for the workers, and when they have 1, maybe 2 workers during the day; its highly unlikely theyd have more than 1 during the overnight shift
Posted by: Ben on Jan 4, 2009 at 08:38 PM
I wonder how much money convenience stores make between midnight and 5 AM. After the employess pay, lights, gas, water, insurance, shop lifting etc. Is it worth it to be open? I realize people work odd hours and having a store open is convenient. But such a small minority. Gas now days can be bought on a credit card 24 hours. The only ones out late like that are again, a small portion of the public, and the "up to no gooders". Please Re-evaluate night procedures.
Posted by: Chynia on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:35 PM
I used to work in the 33&Q area and I visted that kwik shop at times I didn't feel safe in it during daytime hours I guess the reason for them convenience stores is for travelers who need gas, go to the bathroom or a quick snack but the clerks need to be protected first their safety is more important then the money and if you can't better their safety then close the store down she gave them the money and lost her life the store reopened within hours that sad but I bet you the owner wasn't the one working, robbers are very dangerous and convenience stores, banks and your's own home are not safe anywhere there money or values you are in danger innocent people lives are in danger because of people laziness, drugs, or casino habits
Posted by: bobbo on Jan 4, 2009 at 05:31 PM
it is crazy that the store would only have on clerk working that late at night. and a woman at that. the guys that did this i hope you get caught. and on top of that the store reopended the same night. dont they have respect for the death that took place...
Posted by: To Bob on Jan 4, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Being married to an Omaha police officer, I can tell you first hand that these officers work diligently and sacrifice so much... all to protect ungrateful people like you. I sure hope someday when you are helped by an officer, you really question your belief that they are out and about all day doing nothing. By the way, these understaffed offices, plants, construction companies, or even grocery stores you mention are rarely, if ever in contact with losers and idiot's like these who killed this woman. These officers put their lives on the line dealing with these criminals every single day to protect this city. Get a clue.
Posted by: Lynn on Jan 4, 2009 at 02:27 PM
First of all my deepest sympathy to Laura family and friends It is so hard to believe that the Kwik shop reopened as soon as the crime scene was clear money was lost so business as usual after losing a clerk Von Maur show the love that they had for their employees VM did not reopened as soon as the crime scene was over. Close all them convenience stores down @ a certain time or have winter and summer hours no one needs anything from a convenience store after 7pm go to Wal Marts where they have police on duty Clerks start bringing your guns to work and protect yourselves you have families also who loves you, money is them convenience stores first concern and I don't believe late at night they are making that much money. To everyone in Omaha just try to stay safe people are on drugs and desperate for money and innocent people are their targets
Posted by: DJ on Jan 4, 2009 at 01:22 PM
First of all, All these 24 hour Stores should have more then one person working. Have 2 or 3 on duty all the time. And City police should drive by many times a night to check.
Posted by: Tradt on Jan 4, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Convienient Store robberies have become a daily occurrence. Unfortunately this one resulted in the death of an innocent clerk. As far as solutions go. Increased police patrols help but, the police can't be everywhere all the time. I don't have a problem with people being able to protect themselves with CCW, but I don't believe it will solve the problem either. If someones already got a gun in your face your probably better off just giving them what they want even if you are packin heat. Out of all the solutions I've heard so far, the bullet proof glass seems to be the one thing that would have prevented Ms Pierce's death.
Posted by: Todd on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Dont these stupid crooks know that they have a safe at the stores and there is little if any money in the register - especially at night? Omaha has a serious drug problem....
Posted by: Wolfess on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I do absolutely agree that 1) the new stadium needs to be scrapped; and 2) the OPD officers need to be paid the overtime they have worked. That said, the reason there are so few officers is because so many of them retired last year -- forcing the city to pay out almost 400 MILLION in retirement benefits. This MUST be the last year the OPD is allowed to get away with the financial extortion they have put this city through at least 2 years in a row now. Our illustrious mayor needs to include a note with the pay-out the OPD is whining about: thank you for your dedicated service to this community; enjoy the enclosed check/ or time off and never again expect any further compensation beyond each paycheck that you receive. Now go out there and do the job you are getting paid to do!
Posted by: Kyle on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Growing pains of a large city, it's tragic, and hopefully the leaders of this city will keep us safer in the future.
Posted by: Jo on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:28 AM
How about these stores spend a few bucks for an alarm system that includes personal panic buttons for the clerks? One of those saved my life years ago, the cops were there before the guy had the register emptied. The police can't be everywhere, store owners need to do everything they can to make their business less desirable as a target. Keep your windows clear of advertisements, so people have a clear view of the inside. Put cameras everywhere! Bullet proof glass for the register area sounds like it may be necessary in this town.
Posted by: Randy on Jan 4, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Attention Concerned Citizen, you should be ashamed of yourself!!! Clean up the store and send in the next victim??? Don't you have any shame or feel sorry for the clerk that got killed? Shame on you!!! Crime can happen anywhere and at anytime and on anyone regardless whether you are black, white, hispanic, french, german and ect. Do you get the whole picture? We all need to look at the whole scenario instead of just part of it or what we want to look at. Crime will happen anytime regardless of how many people you have on duty especially overnight. I used to work overnights at convenience stores and yes it is scary but, its part of the job. Not the most exciting but it does pay and yes it has its drawbacks. My only suggestion is that the stores that have only one clerk that it close at 10 or 11pm and then reopen at 6am. It definitely would make a difference but, this is only one person's opinion. Again Concerned Citizen, please have patience and sympathy for the loss of a loved one.
Posted by: Just Saying on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:34 AM
Not all crime is hate crime and it is silly to say that most violent crimes are done by blacks or hispanics. Lets not forget Von Maur, Columbine, Charles Manson and Jeffery Dahmer just to name a few knowing there's plenty more. A life was lost no matter what race did it and it was senseless. Whether this life or before GOD it will be dealt with.
Posted by: Wake on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:18 AM
To: State Senators min 50 Years for violent gun crime, bread, water, beans, to eat. No visition or family contact for 20 years. Let their family's learn to live with only their memory, Punish these people!
Posted by: cj on Jan 4, 2009 at 05:55 AM
to Bill who said people only buy beer and ciggies at 2:00am. I work two jobs and am a single mother of two small boys. Sometimes the only time I get two seconds to myself to do the errands is 0200 when my mom is getting off work. Those of us who have to do things at strange hours resent the holier than thou attitude of the day workers. Who do you think does the stocking of the shelves you mess up and walk off and leave or just put down whatever you don't want on some other shelf than where you got it from. We do it invisibly so that you can complain about the store staying open.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2009 at 04:00 AM
No, concerned citizen, boycott all businesses that have "no guns allowed" signs, because those are the businesses where robberies and shootings are most likely to happen - unarmed victims are easy pickings for thugs.
Posted by: To Tack on Jan 4, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Most violent crime is done by black or hispanic suspects. Just because the victim is white does not mean that they targeted them just for their race. The two hispanic guys that killed the last white clerk killed a hispanic male before they killed her.
Posted by: samantha on Jan 4, 2009 at 12:42 AM
why did they kill Laura Pierce she did everything they said she did not deserve this i hope no one else dies anywhere every employee should feel safe but what happen i do not think anyone feels safe with those two jerks running around like idiots killing people well Laura r.i.p Laura`s family and friend i will pray for you guys until everything gets back in shape may god shine down on you and keep you safe i`m so sorry i hope the police catch those jerks and keep them in prison for practially their whole lifes and i hope this gives them a lesson it better well i love you Laura pierce
Posted by: friend on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:35 PM
I can't believe that it's against company policy to have a cell phone with you when you're working at Kwik Shop. If you're there alone and can't get to the phone, you should be able to at least have a cell phone to use to get help. I also don't understand why they don't have a panic button near the register area. Come on people, these are people trying to make a living and you need to protect them if you want them to work overnight alone. Let's write our Congressmen, Senators, let's do something to help these innocent victims. Do it for Laura and do it for the next victim of these horrendous crimes. Senseless, cold blooded murder. I hope justice is served soon. If these thugs get by with this, who knows who will be next? Help them Omaha and Council Bluffs. I wouldn't have that job if I had to live on the streets. It's safer on the streets than in a convenient store alone.
Posted by: concerned citizen on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:29 PM
I think we should all boycot these 24 hour stores that have one clerk working. Force them to close during the overnight hours when there is only one person working. Glad to hear also that the store reopened that same afternoon. Clean up the mess and send in your next victim, I mean employee. Let's do something for Laura by making these convenient stores either close at 11 or have 2 people on duty at all times.
Posted by: Tack on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Someone is killed for doing their job, while two suspects are also doing their jobs(robbing and killing)hardly seems fair or equal! Also, the first woman killed at a convenience store was white and her suspects were hispanic, the last victim killed at a convenience store was white and her suspects are black. It would seem reasonable to include the FBI on these cases due to the strong possibility of both cases being a HATE crime.
Posted by: Why? on Jan 3, 2009 at 09:19 PM
I agree, we are getting a new baseball stadium & dishing out to the police pay cuts & no new recruits til the Fall, where is the sense in that? I think it is evident by watching the news that we should be doing what we can aide the police whether that is newer cruisers or MONEY for all of the overtime they put in keeping us all safe. But who cares we will be getting a new stadium that will bring in money for Omaha. Don't forget though it will bring in it's own share of riff raff & crime to a city who's police are already stretched to the limit!! They are in for a wake up call & I pray that the Omaha Police will be safe as they face what is to come. My heart goes out to the family of the victim. The judgement of God be upon the ones that slayed her. You can run for a while but your sins will catch up with you in the end.
Posted by: To Amy on Jan 3, 2009 at 08:01 PM
You can't single out Kwik Shot for this. Most of the convenience stores in this city don't have their clerks secured in bullet proof glass. If you only frequented businesses with secured clerks you would likely only be able to find a handful of them in the eastern part of the city.
Posted by: carol on Jan 3, 2009 at 07:48 PM
I hope the mayor is reading some of these comments and listens to the people of Omaha for a change. They are all saying, "hang the new stadium and get some real help on the streets". The police force is stretched to the limit trying to find these punks and you are out spending millions on a white elephant. Wake up mayor!!! To the family of this woman who was killed, find your peace in the lord....bless you and your family.
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 3, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Close the doors at dusk. No business is worth this. Shame on the business owners who continue to leave employees sitting ducks. Business owners are guilty, too for failure to protect employees. Why was there only one person? Why was there no hot switch to seal off the door. Shame on you convenience shop owner. After that, leave pumps open for credit cards. Take these two guys, and hang them out to turn into shoe leather. They are SCUM!!!
Posted by: Tom on Jan 3, 2009 at 06:13 PM
R.I.P. at the side of the Lord. Your killers will be caught and justice will be served and hopefully swift to those who harmed you.
Posted by: rachel on Jan 3, 2009 at 05:29 PM
As consumers we should boycot gas stations that do not value employees lives. There are so many to choose from in Omaha. Choose one that is well lit and has the cashier behind bullet proof glass or that takes safety measures when letting you in such as not allowing the person to wear hoodies or the like. IT is so easy for these companies to make some safety changes and they dont purely for their disregard for their employees. BOYCOTT TILL CHANGES HAPPEN OMAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mad person on Jan 3, 2009 at 05:08 PM
First having a no guns allowed sign would have no effect on a crimminal. Gosh I can't rob them as I am not allowed to take a gun into the store. Please! Second I agree with many who posted-close the stores at night. Gas pumps run on debit/credit cards if you need gas. Third I also agree these punks wanted to kill someone-otherwise why do it when she complied. In closing I pray for her and her family and that these two get caught soon.
Posted by: Travis on Jan 3, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Oh, I also love the gun control nuts. Outlawing speeding in a vehicle, selling drugs, and murder put an end to all those problems right? Read the newpapers folks, most gun crimes are are committed using illegal/unregistered guns. I hope thugs don't start using cars to kill people, we will have to make those illegal too!
Posted by: Travis on Jan 3, 2009 at 04:52 PM
First, I want to express my sorrow to the friends and family of Laura Pierce. You are in my prayers. What a horrible tragedy. Next, I want to agree with Steve's earlier post mentioning bullit-proof glass and locking doors. A small price to pay for employee safety I would think. I also think that it is absurd to close a business in order to avoid criminal activity. What if these brazen criminals then decide to commit these crimes in daylight hours? Don't you foolish people realize that BANKS are robbed during business hours? BANKS people!!! Maybe we should close banks and all other businesses during the DAY too, thereby letting criminal thugs dictate law-abiding citizens lives. And please, give the police a break. They can't be everywhere at once! Imagine if there were nearly enough police to follow every citizen, people would then complain about "big brother" and our country becoming a police state. Be careful what you wish for people.
Posted by: Meg on Jan 3, 2009 at 04:43 PM
TO: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:22 PM that is bashing Rachel...she does have a point. I think until stores want to start protecting their employees this is a good idea. I work a day shift and I don't need these stores when they are open. It is called planning ahead, packing lunches, paying at the pump, etc, etc... Why should these people be losing their lives in order for you to get a soda and a candy bar....makes no sense!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2009 at 04:31 PM
I think everyone needs to quit blaming everyone else for this-the cops, the convenience store, etc. There are crazy people out there whether we like it or not and if they're going to snap someday and kill someone, it doesn't matter who or where you are. So there weren't 2 people on duty. If there was, there probably would be 2 people killed. The cops can't be everywhere at once, let's just pray for this victim's family and hope they catch these monsters.
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 3, 2009 at 03:19 PM
When they find these scum bags and they will find them, I say line em up and put these poor excuses for human being to rest. COWARDS!
Posted by: tammy on Jan 3, 2009 at 03:06 PM
my daughter has worked there for 5 months and has told me that people come in at night and take things and they run out the store they are not allowed to defend them seleves at any cost or they will be fired.yes i have heard why does she want to work there will jobs are not easy to come and i believe that they the employees should be safe behind a bullet proff glass.for the lady that worked at the convenience store alone i will pray that they catch them to bad that the family cant shoot them and watch them suffer for hours in pain and let them die in a horriable way the way that she did .these convenience stores need to protect there employees cause the sure have the money to do so But they are to dam worried about them seleves and there own rich life and not there workers ....
Posted by: Amy on Jan 3, 2009 at 02:26 PM
My prayers are with this young woman and her family. I also am praying that they can catch these idiots before they do it again. The level of violence is very alarming. She had done everything they wanted and they still shot her. Let's focus on solving this and stop playing a blaim game. One of the idiots didn't wear a glove; lets pray they get his fingerprint and bring this to an end soon. Out of old fashioned beliefs, I agree with the viewer who mentioned closing on Saturday nights and Sundays and spend more time with our families. Those truly were the good 'ol days! May peace be with her family right now and the days ahead while the police work at solving this crime. Meanwhile, I keep my eyes open, doors locked and a tablet in my purse to write descriptions down if I am to witness a crime. And, then I call and do the right thing. God willing; someone out there will do the same thing for the family of this victim.
Posted by: LS on Jan 3, 2009 at 01:53 PM
AMEN Bill! People carry guns whether legally or not and I'll tell youwhat if more people fought back with or without firearms it would at least make some difference. We are struggling financially...most of us n we don't go around robbing and killing people. They are evil and need to change or go to hell by their own choices where they are aparently headed anyway. Whether some choose to believe it or not hell, the lake of fire is a very real place!
Posted by: noneya on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Dave, I agree. More people need to start getting ccw's and dropping these scum bags like flies. Good riddance. If only Omaha wasn't still too busy whining about how scared they are of people who get ccw's. That they are a ''safety risk...'' Wake up Omaha, it's trash like the ones in the photos above who are the real safety risk. You get more ccw's out there, and they'll think twice before walking up to people in the community thinking they are going to steal someone's hard earned paycheck or belongings. The only thing they'll get is a one-way ticket to hell, where they belong.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:33 AM
My heart completely goes out to this womans family and friends. It broke my heart watching her friend fall apart over her death. I pray that justice will be swift.
Posted by: Bob on Jan 3, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Well looks like we are in for another record year of homicides! This poor woman was left out there, I wonder if she would agree that our Omaha Police force has really gotten crime under control? Seems the Police are only interested in protecting their contract and serving lip service to the citizens about why they can't seem to get crime under control. I know the Police department is under staffed, but I ask you to find one office, plant, Construction Company, or even grocery store that is not under staffed. None of those people run around not producing results quite like the Police. It's like the crossing arms at the train tracks, the arms are down the lights are flashing even the bell is ringing loudly, but NO train! Yes we see the police out and about, we just don't see them do anything!
Posted by: Amy on Jan 3, 2009 at 10:48 AM
These stores are robbed at all hours. I agree with a previous posting about requiring certain security measures..especially bullet proof glass. Maybe we should all boycott Kwik Shops!
Posted by: CS on Jan 3, 2009 at 09:40 AM
I just can't believe the lengths some people will go to to feed their drug habits. Surely drugs are behind this activity b/c how else would someone be so cold and calculating. These losers are nothing but heartless cowards. Oh I'm sure their mothers are so proud of what low-lifes they turned out to be.
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 3, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Need I remind you that robberies are happening everywhere? For those of you that are talking crap about "Kwik Shop", and those of you that are stating that QT and Buckey's don't get robbed repeatedly maybe you should watch the news more frequently. I believe QT and Kum & Go was robbed yesterday in broad daylight. It can and does happen everywhere! This was SENSELESS! As are some of the comments portrayed against Kwik Shop. The real deal here is everyone needs to keep Laura's family in their prayers! It is unfortunate that Kwik Shop lost a great employee, and it is even more unfortunate that a family lost one of its members! What needs to happen now is the finger needs to be pointed to the idiots that took the life of an innocent victim. It is not Kwik Shops fault, nor is it the fault of the police! Everyone is working together to put an end to this while keeping Laura in our prayers!
Posted by: Jim on Jan 3, 2009 at 09:03 AM
If people wanted something done they would help law enforcement. But, too many people have to keep their mouths shut and let things continue to escalate. The city in which you live is what you make it.
Posted by: Bill on Jan 3, 2009 at 09:02 AM
anonymous @2:22: Rachel is genius! Walmart is open 24 hours, so is Walgreen's. Close all convenience stores at 11:00 pm, if you work odd hours, Plan ahead...like the old days. What would someone need to buy at 2:00am in the morning except for beer or cigarettes! God Bless the family of Laura.
Posted by: Jimmy on Jan 3, 2009 at 07:02 AM
Why dont the mayor adopt the same policy that New York City has. Anyone with a unregisterd gun, its a mandatory 3 years in prison and also make these guys sentences longer. The mayor should publicly come out and state it so everyone knows.
Posted by: John on Jan 3, 2009 at 03:48 AM
For those that say the stores should close after 11 pm or so, forget that a large number of robberies happen in daylight also. Closing early wouldn't help.
Posted by: Steven on Jan 3, 2009 at 03:43 AM
Gary- I completely agree with you. But the key word here is USE. We need not only to convict deadly criminals and give them the death penalty, but we need to actually use it. I'm all for televising them as well. Why not? Are we going to save everybody? No, of course not, but I guarantee it'll save more than one and one alone is worth it. People who commit these kinds of crimes are a pathetic waste of space. They are breathing good air my kids should be using and they need to be taken out. I'm as sick of it as the rest of you, but we need to start taking real action here folks. They have no fear of consequence, no remorse and no regard for human life. Find 'em, strap 'em in and pull the switch. Next!
Posted by: Just Me on Jan 3, 2009 at 12:47 AM
This is terrible!! My heart goes out to the family of this woman. Maybe we should not build this stupid ballpark and pay to put more cops on the streets.
Posted by: C on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Thanks Kate for one of the few common sense comments on this unfortunate story. Pat, Omaha is the fifth worst city in the USA? I would like to see evidence before people start making up 'facts'.
Posted by: Mexico on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Pat on your so decent coment about illegals. I have news for violence has nothing to do with where you are from. We all are taught as children right from wrong.Then everyone chooses. Its not a racial thing these people come from all races. Wake up Im sure you werent born yesturday. Laura my friend you will live in my heart forever may we see each other again one day. Love you.....................
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:28 PM
If you have commited a crime, of any kind, God will forgive you. You will have to pay the consequence for your crime. All you have to do is admit what you have done, and ask for Jesus to forgive you. He is more powerful than anything or anyone you will ever experience. Laura would want you to know, that because God will forgive, so will she. She would not want anyone who loved and cared about her, to hate the person that took her life. She would want you to know that she would pray for the people that hurt her. Hate is why she lost her life. God loves you, he loves Laura. Laura and I spoke many times, about what her experiences at this store. Some nights were more concerning than othes. This was a relatively new store for her. It never made sense that a store could be open all night long, and have one person manning the shop. That is just irresponsible. So, I will not only pray for justice, but that corporate will wake up and do the right thing. Thank You All for your prayers,
Posted by: Mike on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:18 PM
I knew Laura. She was an employee of mine when I was a manager for Kwik Shop. She would always go the extra mile, work when needed, even help out when she was just visting the store on her own time. She was very thoughtful and did not deserve this. Kroger, the company that owns Kwik Shop, needs to rethink their overnight procedures. If they continue to stay open 24hours, which I hope they don't, then they need to operate with two employees and/or have a security buzzer on the door to let people in. Nothing is worse then having your cell phone ring at 2am and finding out that your store has been robbed. I hope they find these thugs and string them up by their necks.
Posted by: Wife on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:00 PM
My husband worked for Kwik Shop and I want them to be looked into!! My husband was robbed at gunpoint last year at 11pm. When he called his supervisor all they cared about was how much $ they got, not about him! He asked to go home and they made him stay another 3 hours ALONE and finish out his shift. Kwik shop is greety and doesn't care about it's employees and most shifts are covered by only one person. Most convience store robberies are at Kwik sops around town because of that reason! My husband was never questioned to make sure he was okay, thank goodness his wife got him in to talk to someone who could allow him to be able to sleep at night. I have not and will not ever shop/ get gas from a business that cares so little and to put up $ for an award... good, but alittle late.
Posted by: barney on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Psychopath? These are the real things that happen to defenseless people.
Posted by: saddend by this on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Its so hard to turn the tv on in the morning to see all this violence. I feel for all the family and friends of Laura. Im very sorry for your loss. How can this city turn into such a mess lately. No its not the police fault, they do their job and to you who think they dont, i saw a commercial the other day saying they are going to be hiring... Go get the job done if you think you are strong enough to do it! Kudos to the men and women who do there jobs in this city and are willing to put our lifes on the line everyday when we walk out of our houses to go to work, to shop, to pick up our children or take them for a bite to eat. So Glad we can think we are safe when everytime we turn around there is someone else with a knife or a gun to remind us that they are to lazy to get a real job and work for a living instead of stabbibg or shooting someone for a few hundred dollars.
Posted by: anon on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:19 PM
I work at a convenience store and if you have a mask or hoodie on they are ask to take it off or leave the store.And having a lady work the over night is wrong......
Posted by: jen on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:07 PM
My husband worked for Kwik Shop. Let me warn you I am not a scorned exemployees wife. that being said I know that there has to be vast improvement for protection of their employees. I disaprove of several policies that kwik shop bestows on their employees. Most kwik shops only double up their staff on the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift because thats when managers do paperwork. that leaves only one employee in the store the rest on the time. However they are still required to clean the back room (where they can't see the door), stock the back room (where the can't see or hear the door), and the worst yet they are not allowed to lock the door when they have to use the restroom. My husband was suprized by customers a few times. My husband was a manager and everytime the stores he worked at were robbed he would get yelled at and lose his bonuses. the theft or robberys go against inventory. if you have bad inventory you cant hire someone to fill an opening which means the manager has to work
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:59 PM
Richard! Go ahead and wait for The police to save you just like the Kiwk shop lady did. I will send you flowers to your Funeral. I would rather be able to react quickly to defend myself. It is my right to Conceal carry and if you do not like it to bad. The only idiots out thier are the thugs killing victims and people like you who think this will all just go away if you put your head in the sand.
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Please, please stop the gangs and the violence in this area. Enough! Please, no more killing, no more guns. Just be nice to each other. Also - the idea of gas stations closing down early.....that is a good idea.....lock the doors by 10:00 and pay at the pump only.
Posted by: ANON on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:30 PM
i say talk. if you know something talk. strengthen the system. demand max sentence to those who commit GUN CRIMES. arm yourselves to protect yourselves. stop pointing fingers and write to you city officials. these criminals are getting away with murder, my prayers are with this womans family. what a shame.
Posted by: Ron on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Wake up everyone. This is a big city with big city problems and it's not going to change anytime soon. Maybe it's the economy that needs fixing, then robberies wouldn't be so rampant.
Posted by: Dillion on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Asia..so are you saying a mans life is worth less than a womans? You should have said they do not pay ANYONE enough not just women.
Posted by: Ryan on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Wow, Richard. How about YOU work on staffing OPD. Since you know so much about how to fix this problem, maybe you should run for Mayor. People against CCW permits are ignorant. Criminals don't care about permits. Banning CCW permit holders is banning safety for law abiding citizens. When are the people of Omaha going to wake up? I am so sick and tired of reading about the heartless, cowardly acts of all of the people in EAST Omaha. Yes, crime happens everywhere, but EAST Omaha is where the majority lies. I can't stand how bad this city has declined over the last couple years. But we need a new stadium, right? Less money invested in helping to curb gun crimes just so the NCAA can still have CWS here. I would rather live in a city less known for violence, than known for the CWS. Let's throw tax money towards something useful for once. Eye for an eye, if a criminal takes someone's life, forget about locking them up... use harsher means. Maybe THEN, crime will decline
Posted by: Obed on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:51 PM
With all the robberies now days. Perhaps technology should step and help end the stealing. It should be fairly easy to turn paper money into a gps tracking device. That would guarantee that a thief would be caught in short order. Every cell phone made today has a gps transmitter. It's just one more step to turn paper money into gps tracking devices.
Posted by: Marie on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Big tough men, rob a store for a few bucks and kill an innocent person. Tough guys! Those who are too lazy to work for a living sicken me. What scum. Prayers to the victims family and damnation to the murders.
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:31 PM
This guy just did not only want money, he wanted to KILL someone, otherwise he would leave after the getting the loot! Looks like he could be a psychopath. Senseless and dangerous situation indeed.
Posted by: To Wolfess on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Your comments to nothing to solve anything. Yeah bash to police because that gets things accomplished. You know officers can probably afford computers in their homes and can blog on their own time, but of course you assume they are doing nothing at work. I used to work overnights delivering papers and I always saw cop cars at the conveinient stores around town. Seems to me nothing else is open so of course that's where they go to use the restroom and get their coffee, pop, and donuts (yeah I said it). Stop trying to blame them and blame the animals that did this. If a cop would have been here getting a coffee then they would have just moved down the street to the next one and robbed that one. Pray for this ladies family and do whatever you can to help the police learn who did this.
Posted by: PS on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I know almost all stores that stays open 24 hours in Tennessee has the bullet proof glass and there is slot where you put your money through. Maybe these stores need to invest some of that money that they are making and put in bullet proof glass. I know at 10:00 pm-7:00am, the glass stays down.
Posted by: jek on Jan 2, 2009 at 05:57 PM
I LIVE IN SOUTH OMAHA AND IT USE TO BE A GOOD PLACE BUT THEN ALL THESE SHOOTINGS START HAPPENING AND ALL I DO REMEMBER THIS STORE LADY SHE WAS THE NICEST ONE UP THERE SHE WAS THE3 ONLY ONE THAT LET YOU GET AWAY WITH 5 CENTS IF YOU DID NOT HAVE IT AND I FEEL SO BAD AT WHAT HAPPEN TO HER AND IM SUR WHO EVER DID IT WAS HIGH OFF THEM PILLS OR WET BECAUSE WHO IN THERE RIGHT MIND WOULD TOUCH THE COUNTER AND THE DOOR BUT ALL I KNOW IS KARMA IS COMING TO GET THEM JUST LIKE MIKE WHO SHOT EDDY ON THANKSGIVING AND THE3 P0LICE NEED TO FIND HIM HE DONT DESERVE TO BE ON THE STREETS AT ALL
Posted by: No Name on Jan 2, 2009 at 05:46 PM
I, too, used to work for Kwik Shop. They would never approve to have 2 people work overnight The allotted budget hours for this company isn't even enough to have single coverage without the manager running the register for about 30 hours a week. God forbid that they would think of employee safety over the almighty dollar. This company does not give a damn about the safety of their employees.
Posted by: Jeff on Jan 2, 2009 at 05:23 PM
You know there is a store by me... regardless of weather will not allow anyone in the store with a hoodie or mask on after dark..they have a switch that allows people in,if they cant see your face,you dont get in.
Posted by: David on Jan 2, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Ok Anonymous..that makes no sense..so then the criminals just rob people at the gas pump? Such a brilliant idea..NOT!!! And Brandy the problem with finger prints is thousands upon thousand of fingerprints are on there and pretty much useless as they usually cant determine whos are the neweses to oldest.. Again what needs to happen first and foremost,you commit a violent crime,any gun crime,any theft,etc...you do a minimum of 15 years on the first offense..25 years on the second and life on the third..! Three strikes and your out...PERIOD!!!!
Posted by: to anon on Jan 2, 2009 at 05:14 PM
How do you know both individuals are black? I think I re-read this article and it said nothing about color. Yes, you can tell one is black because you can see his hand.. but nothing said the other one is ???
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 04:47 PM
I think convenience stores should stop being so convenient. How about closing around 11pm or 12am? If you need gas in your car, use a card at the pump. This might lessen the chances of these early morning robberies. At least try it for awhile while this string of robberies is happening.
Posted by: BRANDY on Jan 2, 2009 at 04:43 PM
I know CSI does a very good job... on that note... What I notice from the photo's is that the man with the white mask doesn't appear to be wearing a glove on his left hand. It is clear he has touched the door and the counter. Hopefully some finger prints will come up!
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Hopefully this tragedy will open these companies eyes to how important safety is for their employees. We don't go to work everyday to earn a living only to have these worthless individuals come and threaten our lives to get a few measly dollars. We deserve to be safe and every c-store should do everthing possible to allow for this and if that means closing for a few hours or investing in better safety equipment it should be done. A wonderful persons life was lost and she didn't deserve this. I know she is in a better place and I prey for her family.
Posted by: Asia on Jan 2, 2009 at 03:56 PM
The kwik shops or none of them convenience stores pay enough money for any woman to work at night without a real police there or a firearm. This is very sad and my heart goes out to the family and friends we are in the times now where them convenience stores need to close at 10pm never put money before safety.
Posted by: South Omaha Girl on Jan 2, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Will, It's hard for me to believe that they make $1,000 per night. I feel all business should close at night and on Sundays. We all need more family time. Thank you.
Posted by: Bill on Jan 2, 2009 at 03:54 PM
I call for vigilante justice.
Posted by: D on Jan 2, 2009 at 03:39 PM
What possible point would it be to close all businesses over night? half the robberies in this town are done during BUSINESS HOURS. These losers keep doing this because jail is just a break for most people. 3 squares and a place to sleep. Make the damn places a PUNISHMENT so they DONT want to come back! No library, no game room, no outside, no nothing. The woman they shot wont get none of that, why should they.
Posted by: HH on Jan 2, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Are you serious?! For thoes of you who believe the signs work, you must still believe in the tooth fairy.I was robbed at gunpoint working for Kwik Shop on 13th and Missouri Ave 3 years ago, I never realized until then why its always Kwik Shops getting robbed. All the training in the world isnt going to help or prevent a robbery, its the company who is responsible for hiring more than one person at night, having enough lighting in the area, and an alarm system that actually works. Has anyone heard of repeated robberies at Buckys, or Quick Trip? God forbid I loose the job I have and need immediate employment, I would live in my car before I worked for a Kwik Shop again. The reason I left wasnt because I was robbed, I went to work the next night, I worked 7 days straight almost 60 hours a week on a regular basis and after being robbed I begged for a raise and they ignored me for too long. 7.50 an hour isnt worth it. Good Luck to thoes who still do, and condolences to the victims family.
Posted by: Paul on Jan 2, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Enough is enough! When is the City of Omaha going to get tough on the violence being committed there. Someone knows who is committing these crimes or at least some of them. What will it take to get people to talk and help the police get these violent criminals off the street. Don't they realize that it will make there own community safer for all, including there children and families. Who is going to want to go into the city and risk their safety. No matter how great your attractions are, new ball park, convention center, Old Market area, great zoo, etc. etc. If the crime continues to increase less and less people will come to these events. With all the gun play and robberies I do not want to take my family anywhere in the city now.
Posted by: Jen on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:57 PM
I am so sorry for Ms. Pierce's family and friends. These convenience stores' owners really do need to step up and protect their employees. Any shift you can't afford to staff with at least two people, you should lock the doors. Put in a drive-up/walk-up window with bullet-proof glass, if you want to continue selling in the overnight hours with only one clerk. Your employees lives' are worth more than any amount of revenue.
Posted by: cc on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:54 PM
I say lets take these people lives as quickly as they did their victims. Why should they get to be on death row for years? The victims don't have years. I say take care of it right away and crime will go down or away (in a perfect world) And yet they took the death penalty away because it's cruel and unusual punishmennt. Boo hoo. What a about the victims. It was cruel to them. And yet the mayor wants a new stadium and the bridge built. He sacrifies people lives without extra officers for his own means. How come we haven't heard from him on TV about all this crime?
Posted by: angie on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:48 PM
I agree with the bullet proof glass around these employees. Kwik shop needs to install them to protect their employees. How much could it possibly cost. They should also have some sort of spray that sprays these robbers as they walk out the store. This is ridiculous, if they can't protect their employees close down for the night.
Posted by: Ralph on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:34 PM
Wolfess's comments about why don't officers step up their "regular" patrols to try to prevent these things. Well Wolfess guess what? The city(your elected officials) have allowed the authorized strength of the police department go down . The police department is currently 150 below authorized strength. The officers patrolling the streets now only have time to go from one call to the next. How do I know this? I recently retired because I didn't feel safe because there was no one to back me up. So, go out and apply for the job Wolfess and see how you like having to go call to call without much back-up and have uniformed people like you making uninformed comments. Instead why don't you stop and say Thank You to these officers putting their butts on the line FOR YOU!!
Posted by: Shelly on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:27 PM
I used to work for Kwik Shop. An employee was fired from a Bellevue store after defending himself when a woman came at him with a knife. I immediately resigned after this happened out of principal. Laura was a wonderful person who was a hard working and dedicated employee. You could always count on her. This company is more about a buck than the safety and well being of it's best employees. It is sad and pointless that she lost her life for such a company. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:22 PM
That's brilliant Rachel, and people that work odd shifts will often have no stores to go to. Just pure genius! Instead, how about we keep violent felons in prison until they're old, crippled, and blind, and then they won't re-offend.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:20 PM
It must be cheaper foe Kwik Shop to offer 25 grand rewards than to pay for measures to keep employees safe. Maybe it is time for the state to require certain measures because the city sure won't do it. And who ever Big Al is good for him.
Posted by: Anon on Jan 2, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Mike- If there had been two employees there may be two dead after this shooting. The problem isn't the business or the employees, it's the animal thugs that have no regard for human life. News reports I have heard suggest she did not resist in any way. I'd like to see the county attorney add a hate crime charge to this when they catch these thugs. The clerk was white and the two suspects were black. If she did not resist they must have shot her because she was white.
Posted by: AJ on Jan 2, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Question? Why are these stores staying open so late? Is it really necessary? There should be a mandate of closing at 10 or 11 until the city can get this madness under control!!! This is ridiculous
Posted by: Pat on Jan 2, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Here's a list of the worst cities in the U.S. East St. Louis, Compton, Detroit, New Orleans and Omaha. We are moving up the list. GOod job omaha. Lets get rid of all these illegal aliens and their thug kids. Obviously they have no morals and decency. Close the borders! ALso, get bullet proof glass and those, metal boxes to pass items through the gas station windows. Main problem solved. I guess i should run for mayor or something.
Posted by: Tiffiny on Jan 2, 2009 at 01:45 PM
This is a senseless crime....a woman dies because she has to make a living somehow? How cruel. Was she there alone? I do not think anybody should work at gas stations or anything alone after 10pm....it is to dangerous!! My heart really really goes out to this women and her family....my thoughts are with you. Omaha is a good community....we will catch the person responsible and deal with them accordingly.
Posted by: Dave on Jan 2, 2009 at 01:39 PM
No Rachel...why let the criminals win? How about these stores only hire people capable of obtaining a CCW permit who is willing to KILL not just stop a robber..So the next time the store is robbed or attemted to be robbed their is one less piece of slime on the streets?
Posted by: A on Jan 2, 2009 at 01:37 PM
I used to live in South O, not to far from that gas station. That entire area has gone downhill from when I first lived there to now. I didn't feel safe being in that area even in the daytime, let alone driving at night. I made sure I was home with the doors locked when the sun was down. Very seldom did I ever see cops in the area. I bet if they stepped it up on cops patrolling the area more there would be less problems.
Posted by: Reed on Jan 2, 2009 at 01:31 PM
I am very sad to hear this. I feel very bad for the victim and her family. She was trying to make a living and her life was taken by idiots who choose not to work and rob and kill people to get by. The people who took her life should turn themselves in. If they are not found, I'm sure when they leave this earth, they'll have to spend eternity in hell.
Posted by: Kate on Jan 2, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Really, Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:39 AM??? Everyday someone in this city is murdered?!?!?! Yes, crime is high, but we didn't have 365 murders last year. They don't highlight the days when someone doesn't die. You only hear the bad ones.
Posted by: Tim on Jan 2, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Is it too late to give Omaha to Iowa? Perhaps if we did it on a weekend maybe no one would notice?
Posted by: Richard on Jan 2, 2009 at 12:06 PM
I also agree with those that think a store should be closed at a certain time. Most people that use kwik shops at night are really not the kind of people you would trust anyways. Ive been there and if u worked overnight at a kwik shop you would also understand what i mean about the type of people that come in after 12am.
Posted by: Richard on Jan 2, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Thats a GREAT IDEA to arm more idiots with guns...yea go get your permits and then if the time comes to where u use it and the guy robbing u takes it then shoots your stupid self with your own gun, dont come crying to the city or news. Also, why doesnt the city beef up the police in north and south omaha, it seems to me that majority of these crimes happen in known crime areas.
Posted by: Steve on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:45 AM
I worked overnights at a convenience store for 5 years while I was in college. The owner of that business took EVERY LEGAL STEP POSSIBLE to insure the safety of his employees. He got bulletproof glass all the way around the counter (over 1 1/2" thick), lockable doors with the flick of a switch, security cameras all around, a silent alarm and so on. NOT ONCE did I ever feel my life was in jeopardy ! ! ! Needless to say, his store HAS NEVER BEEN ROBBED ! ! ! Way to go Big Al ! ! ! All of your neighbors, employees & patrons think very higly of you & thank you for ALWAYS keeping us safe ! ! !
Posted by: T on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Arm yourself people and take back this city from these worthless, cowardly punks.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:39 AM
There is no way I would even consider working at a Gas station with out being behind bullet proof glass. I will not shop where No Concealed Carry Weapons signs are posted. Everyday someone is Murdered in this City. EVERYDAY! DO you think it can't happen to you? Get your Conceal Carry permit ASAP. Take the CCW class, learn how to safely use a Firearm and protect yourself.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Maybe the new mayor will have a new focus. Safety instead of Stadium.
Posted by: Paul on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Fire up old Sparky! This worthless punk might be responsible for these other shootings and robberies too.
Posted by: unknown on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:31 AM
The people involved will be caught I have faith but they will never serve enough time in prison to make up for taking a persons life. To my friend you will be missed forever. May you walk with the Angels in heaven above.
Posted by: Rachel on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:28 AM
My heart goes out to this family. But how about this...we shut down all the stores at night???????
Posted by: sh on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:26 AM
There's another record that Fahey has set during his term.
Posted by: Jim on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:21 AM
As an Ex Kwik shop employee, I can tell you all that thier statement will be that they provide robbery training to all of their employees. I will also tell you that if an employee defends himself/herself they fire that employee on the spot.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:59 AM
That's right, Ben, a completely innocent woman died, because her sign-posting employers are more afraid of lawsuits than they are of having their employees murdered.
Posted by: Nikki R Meyer on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM
With all the city's violence on the rapid rise why not close overnight business, surely someones life is worth more than a Quick Shop can make overnight
Posted by: Bob on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:44 AM
These are the scary ones, the random ones... watch yourself.
Posted by: RM on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Convenience stores should be required to do more to help protect there employees. If not then a large insurance policy incase they are killed or injured. One that is larger than workmans comp.
Posted by: Will on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I know the person that was killed last night and the employee that was robbed December 30th that also works for Kwik shop.What i would like to know is why they still don't do double coverage on the graveyard shift?Back when I worked there I was always told it was not in the budget.What is the worth in budget terms of someones life?Is someones life worth keeping a store open at night for that extra 1000 dollars a day?I hope this question is thrown at Kwik shop repeatedly.I know what the bottom line is I was a manager for Kwik shop for quite a while...I'm sorry its just not worth it.
Posted by: IL on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Happy New Year Omaha!
Posted by: Ben on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Such heartless comments. A woman died her people!
Posted by: R on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:31 AM
My heart goes out to this woman's friends and family. How sad.
Posted by: Wolfess on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:29 AM
So glad to see that members of 'Omaha's Finest' can find the time to insult bloggers that don't agree with them, but can't be bothered to do REGULAR patrols in an effort to cut down on tragedies like this. Many years ago there was a story about a police department in a city in Texas that went on strike -- the citizens armed themselves and the crime rate went DOWN exponentially. But that would never work here in Omaha because the law-abiding citizen who protects himself and his family gets in trouble for using a gun!
Posted by: Mike on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Kwik Shop only allows 1 person to work on the overnight shift. The family of this victim should sue this company for unsafe working enviroment. They call the overnight shift the "Grave Yard Shift" I guess we all know why
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Well that didn't take long.
Posted by: brandi on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:03 AM
I konew it wouldnt be long before someone was shot. Prayers are with the victims family
Posted by: anon on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:59 AM
So it begins....so sad we couldn't even make it through the first day of 2009 without someone getting killed!
Posted by: Dave on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Wow. Can't even go a week into the New Year without some goon or thug SHOOTING somebody. Can't even go a week. Or a day.
Posted by: Keith on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:03 AM
when are people going to learn that it isn't worth your life to work at these "death houses." But if you decide you still want o work here, at least get a bullet proof vest.
Posted by: name on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:45 AM
shocker...not even 72 hours into the new year...
Posted by: JohnDoe on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Don't all Kwik Shops have signs posted for no CCW's or any firearms allowed ? Those signs don't stop criminals.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Tep, that's a Kwik Shop, and those are all posted "no guns allowed" zones in Omaha. Once again, the signs didn't keep out any armed robbers at all, but made sure all potential victims were unarmed.
Posted by: Butch on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:34 AM
I can remember when we had to wait until March before some scumbag murdered someone. Ah, those were the good old days!
Posted by: Wow on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Well Happy New Year I guess.....seems criminals can't even take a holiday off, very sad.
Posted by: Gary on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:56 AM
We need to use the death penalty and create an express lane to stop the crime in this city.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:51 AM
Well, that didn't take long. Doesn't this store have one of those worthless "no guns allowed" signs on the door? I used to do a solo night shift (6pm-midnight) when I was in college back in the 1ealy 1990s, and even then I packed a gun while on the job and felt like I was always in peril. The thing was, I had just done an enlistment in the Marines, which by comparison seemed a safer job! Night clerking in one of those places is a death trap.
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