Store clerk fatally shot in St. Augustine; teen suspects captured in Green Cove Springs

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Outside a Masters Drive convenience store Tuesday night, neighbors placed candles and flowers in memory of a young man most knew only as the "nice guy."

"He just started here a couple of months ago, but he was always smiling and knew everyone's name," said Lisa Washington, a regular customer at the Tobacco and Beverage Express.

Friends said Malav Desai was working his regular 12-hour shift Tuesday when a 16-year-old male came through the door with a handgun at approximately 2 p.m. Police said the teen had a handkerchief over his face.

Witnesses, including two shoppers and a vendor who was stocking shelves at the time, told Action News they overheard the teen demand money from Desai, who was standing behind the counter. Seconds later, they said, the teen pulled the trigger. Police confirm Desai was killed instantly by the shot to his face.

"It's certainly odd for St. Augustine, and I think it's odd for just about anywhere," said Officer Mark Samson, public information officer for the St. Augustine Police Department. "Such a violent crime takes us back as well."

Early on, police issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect, who they said fled the scene as a passenger in a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Neighbors watched nervously as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement collected evidence, including security video at the scene, while other law enforcement agencies aided in the search.

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By 4:30 p.m., police had spotted the SUV and suspects leaving the St. Augustine area and chased them through Hastings, Palatka and into Green Cove Springs, where they were stopped and taken into custody.

They were identified only as two 16-year-old males, but Action News confirmed police in St. Augustine have dealt with the teens as recently as three weeks ago and have been working to determine if they are part of an organized gang.

Customers like Washington said the violent act was senseless.
 
"He didn't do nothing to nobody. We try to get along and everything, but these violence has got to stop. There's too much crime (sic)," Washington said.

Police said Desai's fiancé came to the scene briefly Tuesday but became physically ill from the news of her loss.
 
Desai's friends said he relocated to St. Augustine from Jacksonville two months ago to work at the store and had been excited for his upcoming wedding. In light of his death, Desai's family is now traveling to Jacksonville from India.

The owner of the store did not reopen his doors Tuesday night, saying only that his team is heartbroken and unable to comprehend Desai's death. He said he is planning to be open Wednesday as a sign of strength to others in the neighborhood.

The pastor of Landmark Family Church, 96 Masters Drive, told Action News his team will hold a prayer service for Desai's family on Friday at 7 p.m. They invite the community to attend.

The teens are facing multiple charges.

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