Cashier Killed Over Face Mask Argument Identified: Police

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — One woman is dead and two men are injured, including a reserves DeKalb County sheriff's deputy, when an argument over masks led to a shooting at a supermarket near The Gallery at South DeKalb on Monday afternoon, authorities said.

All three people were taken to the hospital after the shooting, which took place around 1 p.m. at Big Bear Supermarket near the mall on Candler Road, DeKalb Sheriff's Office spokesperson Cynthia Williams said. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation.

DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox confirmed the female victim, identified Tuesday morning as 41-year-old Laquitta Willis, was shot in the head and taken to the hospital. A GBI news release said she was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Williams said a man — now identified as Victor Lee Tucker Jr., 30, of Palmetto — was involved in a dispute with Willis over masks before he shot her. Deputy Danny Jordan, 54, was working part-time security at the store when he tried to intervene and returned fire, striking Tucker.

Maddox said Tucker also shot back and struck Jordan, who was wearing a protective vest. Maddox said the vest likely saved Jordan's life, but he still suffered injuries.

Both Tucker and Jordan are in stable condition, according to the GBI news release. A second cashier was grazed by a bullet and was treated for her injury on the scene.

Tucker faces murder charges and two counts of aggravated assault, DeKalb County Police Department spokesperson Michaela Vincent said Tuesday.

The GBI is still investigating the shooting and it will be turned over to the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office for review once it's complete.

At the request of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are responding to an OIS on Candler Road. We’re headed to the scene to gather info. pic.twitter.com/0aOF1GVkya
— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) June 14, 2021

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.