Ashwinbhai Patel, 60, known as Andy to his customers, was killed during an armed robbery at his Corner Stop 10 Convenience Store in Blackville, South Carolina, on the morning of September 8, 2020. Surveillance and phone records tied both men to the incident. According to investigators, Smith brandished a firearm; a brief struggle followed when Mr. Patel tried to push the gun away and it discharged, fatally wounding him, while Donaldson searched for cash as Mr. Patel lay dying. A customer at the scene called 911 and SLED investigated at the Blackville Police Department’s request.

Smith later confessed to agents that he had entered the store with his face covered. He pleaded guilty in April 2022 to murder and attempted armed robbery and received a 30-year sentence for murder, concurrent with a 10-year sentence for attempted armed robbery, without parole eligibility. Prosecutors prepared to proceed with the case against Donaldson, who remained charged in connection with the robbery and murder.

Does anyone have information about that morning at Corner Stop 10 or recall seeing either man in Blackville around September 8, 2020?