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Store Clerk Shot Dead In Gary

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A store clerk was shot dead on Sunday, the victim of an apparent robbery in Gary, Ind.

Mihid Abutemeh was "just a good guy trying to make a decent living," said Gary detective Mike Barnes.

Abutemeh, 28, of Oak Lawn, Ill., was found lying in the doorway of the Food Mart, 1650 Virginia Street.

The shooting happened around noon on Sunday, police said.

Abutemeh had no gang affiliation

While the motive is not known, authorities believe the crime started as a robbery.

The convenience store is owned by Abutemeh's family. Abutemeh was not scheduled to work on Sunday, but wanted to give his brother a day off.

The family says they were robbed four times in the 45 days preceding the murder.

"He was a real nice fella he was just trying to bring something to the neighborhood and make a dollar while he was doing it," said Ron Woods, a retired steel worker who owns the building.

Police tell us they have no solid leads.

The victim's family member told CBS 2's Brad Edwards: "I don't know what to say. People work to make a living and they have to go like that. It's sad."

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