Jackson, Mississippi



From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger of November 3, 2004

Alleged robber shot by Jackson store clerk; no charges filed



Jackson police are investigating the Tuesday night death of a man who was shot by a clerk after he reportedly tried to rob a Raymond Road convenience store, officials said.



Roosevelt Beale, 36, of Camilla Drive in Jackson, died of gunshot wounds to the groin and leg about 9 p.m., said Jackson Police Department spokesman Robert Graham.



Beale allegedly entered the BP service station, 2010 Raymond Road, Tuesday night, displayed a knife and told the employees he was there to rob the business, Graham said.



"He tried to force a clerk to the back of the store, but a struggle ensued," Graham said.



The clerk, Christian Corley, 22, of Jackson broke free and grabbed a gun that was located behind the store's counter, Graham said.



"Another struggle ensued and they both wound up going out the front door," Graham said. "Beale reportedly still had a knife in his hand and lunged at Corley. Corley then shot him twice."



Police responded and found Beale's body lying in an adjacent parking lot, Graham said. Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart said she pronounced Beale dead at Central Mississippi Medical Center at 9:21 p.m.



No charges have been filed in the case, Graham said.



"At this point, detectives are leaning toward ruling this case a justifiable homicide," Graham said. "They plan to present this case to a Hinds County grand jury, where either an indictment will be issued or it won't be issued."