Roy Love, a 60-year-old security guard, was killed early Monday morning during an attempted robbery at M&M Food Mart in Jackson, Mississippi. Love was well-regarded in his community for his dedication to keeping the neighborhood safe.
Two neighbors, Tony Williams and Jackie Kitchens, spoke highly of Love’s commitment. “He came to work every day,” Williams said. Kitchens added, “This man gets up every day and comes to work.”
At approximately 1:30 a.m., three teenagers — two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old — approached the store. Love, sensing potential trouble, confronted the teens and asked them to leave. Instead, they allegedly attempted to rob him. During the struggle, they reportedly managed to seize Love’s gun and fatally shot him.
Police Chief Joseph Wade described the footage of the incident as harrowing. “They attacked him, took his weapon, and fired on him with [it],” he said. Chief Wade emphasized that Love never drew his gun during the encounter.
Following the incident, Jackson police received a tip leading them to the intersection of Woody and Monticello Drive, where they apprehended the suspects. The teens have been charged with capital murder and are being held without bail. Their names have not been disclosed due to their ages.
Tony Williams expressed shock over the incident. “I can’t believe it, man,” he said. “He was well known in the neighborhood, a neighborhood legend. … A great guy. It’s mind-blowing.” Williams added, “He will be missed.”
Jackie Kitchens shared that Love was particularly vigilant about the safety of women in the neighborhood. “He sees us pull up out here. If it’s women, he’s going to come out here to make sure we’re in there safe and come back to our cars safe,” she said. “For them to try and take his little gun from him, that’s just sad.”
