Family Grieves for Slain Owner of Pawnshop

While the search continued for two armed robbers, the family of a slain Anaheim pawnshop owner gathered at his house Sunday, closeted with their grief and their own search for solace.

“We’re just devastated,” said a female relative who declined to be identified. “Ronnie Roach was not a regular guy. He was loved by everyone in this community.”

Ronald J. Roach, 59, was shot and killed Saturday afternoon, when two armed men entered his store at the corner of Katella and Magnolia avenues in an unincorporated area near Anaheim.

According to police, one of the robbers shot Roach and reportedly said, “I’m sorry if I shot you. I didn’t mean to do it. My mom is sick. This is why I’m doing this.”

Roach’s grieving family declined to be interviewed Sunday. Instead, they released a short statement describing Roach as a “very giving and loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. . . . If you knew him you loved him. He was one of the best. His family and friends will miss him so very much.”

Roach moved to Orange County in 1963 from Oklahoma and worked as a carpenter, the statement said. He opened his pawnshop, Katella Jewelry & Loan, seven years ago to keep busy after he retired, family members said.

On Sunday, detectives interviewed Roach’s employees at the pawnshop, where flowers and candles lined the front door. An employee declined to comment.

At Roach’s house in a quiet Anaheim neighborhood, his wife of 40 years, Jerry, and other family members mourned their loss. His son, Dan Roach, 38, delivered the prepared statement.

Roach was an avid youth sports coach who once coached the girls softball team at Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove, the statement said. With his help, one of his nieces won a scholarship to the University of Illinois.

“He helped and did for everyone,” the statement said. “He is irreplaceable.”

Roach had three sons, eight grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews.

Police described one of the robbers as 18 to 19 years old, 150 pounds and 5 foot 5. The second was described as 20 to 24 years old, 5 foot 8 and 160 pounds. The men, caught on the shop’s security camera, were wearing dark masks.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at (714) 628-7170.