Man accused of killing store clerk is due in court Tuesday
The 31-year-old man suspected of killing a mother of five while she worked at an L.A. discount store Sept. 17 is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday.
Eric William Atkinson faces one count of murder tied to robbery and personal use of a firearm in the slaying of 39-year-old Martha Sanchez. Atkinson was arrested Oct. 9 on a parole violation. Prosecutors could ask for the death penalty.
The married mother was working at Happy Bargain discount store when the shooting occurred in the 7400 block of South Broadway. Los Angeles Police say Atkinson walked in, robbed the store of $200 to $300 and shot Sanchez multiple times. A customer called for help. Sanchez died at a hospital around 9:40 p.m., almost an hour after the shooting.
HOMICIDE REPORT: Tracking killings in L.A. County
Sanchez worked at the store to pay for her eldest daughter to attend Fresno State University.
Video surveillance captured the crime. The store is just two blocks from the Los Angeles Police Department’s 77th Street Station.
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