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Kiran Patel shooting: A week after a tragic shooting in Union County, South Carolina, police have detained a suspect over the murder of Kiran Patel, a 49-year-old Indian-origin Gujarati woman. The attack happened on September 16 in the evening at DD's Food Mart, a gas station-converted-convenience store owned by Patel.

What Happened In South Carolina?

• Kiran Patel, a Gujarati female, was working at DD's Food Mart on South Pinckney Street at the time of the shooting.

• Local police reports and a GoFundMe posting reported that a masked shooter entered the store around 10:30 PM on September 16 and asked for cash.

• Patel apparently attempted to fight back by throwing a plastic bottle at the attacker. In the struggle, the suspect jumped up onto the cash register and fired several shots.

• Patel tried fleeing towards the parking lot but was hit by bullets 20 feet away from the store door. She was declared dead at the crime scene.

• Surveillance cameras recorded the incident, with the gunman going back to shoot a few more rounds at the unconscious Patel.

Suspect's Previous Crime And Arrest

As per local police reports and a GoFundMe entry, the shooting occurred around 10:30 PM when Patel was processing cash at the store counter. A masked shooter, identified as 21-year-old Zaedan Mack Hill, opened fire and ordered money from inside the store.

Hill was not only associated with Patel's murder. The police had discovered another victim, Charles Nathan Crosby, motionless in a yard on South Mountain Street, Union County, on the same day earlier. After investigations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, in conjunction with SWAT and Union Public Safety, led to Hill's discovery in a house on South Church Street.

A tense standoff occurred between Hill and police officers, which lasted several hours. Hill was finally apprehended without any further trouble. He has been officially charged with murder in relation to Patel's death, as well as his role in a second shooting case.

Community Reaction And Safety Concerns

Patel, a diligent and highly regarded member of the community, had been operating DD's Food Mart for years, according to neighbors. The news of her death sent shockwaves and despair throughout Union County. People expressed worry over increasing gun-related violence, especially in small businesses, and more controversy surrounding gun control legislation in the state. The relatively relaxed gun laws of South Carolina have ensured that such violent acts are becoming a regular occurrence, people pointed out.

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A GoFundMe fundraiser established for Patel's family described the traumatic experience of the shooting, mentioning her courage and attempt to flee the attacker. Agencies are still calling upon the community for more information on the case and potential links with other criminal acts in the region.

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Union County law enforcement agents are viewing CCTV footage and other evidence to guarantee a complete case against Hill. The arrest has caused some relief to locals, though the tragedy has left them struggling with the loss of a hard-working store owner and community member.