Robbery and Murder at Kingsburg Gas Station | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Kingsburg, CA Family members shared with Action News recent photos of 29-year old /*Gurtaj Nahal*/ or "TJ" as many called him. Nahal was shot to death during a robbery at the /*Super Stop convenience store*/ he owned off Highway 99 near Kingsburg. All day customers who called themselves friends left flowers, candles and signed a poster that said "We will miss you."

A.J. Alvarez said, "People would come in and just talk to him for hours and he was just a really kind guy. I mean, he knew something about everybody."

Nahal was working on Saturday afternoon when investigators say a man walked into the store and pointed a gun at him. After Nahal gave him all that was in the cash register - about $200 - the suspect shot him.

On Sunday, Tulare County Sheriff's officials released these surveillance photos showing the suspect wearing sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt. Officials are also looking for a second suspect, who was driving the getaway car. The vehicle is described as an 80s-model, compact car with what looked like a black convertible top.

Family members say they will miss "/*TJ*/" a lot and that he died too young. Nahal's cousin, "RJ" who owns /*RJ's Travel Center*/ in Traver, told Action News "TJ" was his "right-hand man" and "the greatest man" he knows. Alba DeDios who worked with both Nahal and "RJ" said the family is suffering.

Alba DeDios said, "They're really in shock still. They're sad."

Relatives say Nahal was engaged and hoped to get married in India in August. Friends say he just bought a new house in Visalia.

Alvarez said, "He was supposed to get married. I know he had just bought a brand new truck. Everything was going good for him, you know."

Family members say they still haven't brought themselves to stop by the "Super Stop" market where Nahal worked. Friends were taken aback by the amount of flowers, candles and posters left in front.

DeDios said, "He was really friendly. That's how everybody should remember him - friendly and kind."

Family members hope to hold Nahal's funeral within the next couple weeks.

Kingsburg Man Killed in Armed Robbery