Laquitta Willis, 41, Cashier Shot Dead In Mask Dispute In Georgia
Laquitta Willis, 41, was shot and killed on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Big Bear supermarket in DeKalb County, Georgia over a mask dispute.
Laquitta Willis, 41, was trying to make a living amid a global pandemic like everybody else. Her cashier job of 10 years at Big Bear Supermarket in DeKalb County, Georgia, was not the most high-paying in the world, but she was trying to make do.
On Monday, June 14, 2021, Wills got into a back-and-forth with a customer over his refusal to properly wear his mask to keep himself and others safe from COVID.
Victor Lee Tucker Jr. left the store in a huff, leaving his purchase on the counter. But he immediately returned with a pistol, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which has launched an investigation.
Tucker calmly walked up to Willis and allegedly shot her, the GBI says. Willis would later be pronounced dead.
According to a news release from the GBI, “Tucker then began shooting at a DKSO deputy who was attempting to intervene while working off-duty at the supermarket. The deputy and Tucker exchanged gunfire, and both were wounded during the shootout.”
Dora Crawford, a former co-worker at Big Bear, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Willis was instrumental in her life.
"She was like management to me," Crawford told the AJC. "I looked up to her as management. She worked customer service, she trained cashiers and everything. She's just a good person all around."
“Just an amazing person,” Alexis Breland told CBS46 of her sister. “A dependable person, you always have in your corner.”
When it came to the suspect, Breland said, “I think everything should be thrown at him.”
Since the shooting, mourners have stopped by Big Bear on Candler Road to pay their respects. “I always felt safe coming here, so that had to (have) been a very angry person,” said Helene Mapp, who told WSBTV that she knew Willis.
Willis’ family has set up a GoFundMe on her behalf. It says:
On June 14th, 2021, LaQuitta (Shon/Qui/Quitta) Willis was tragically murdered while working at Big Bear, her workplace of over 10 years.
She leaves behind her mother, a niece, and myself, her younger sister along with a host of loving family and friends.
Please help us in giving her the best goodbye
she so rightly deserves.
As for Tucker, the 30-year-oldk Palmetto, Georgia resident now faces murder and aggravated assault charges.
