Lee Ann Parker, a 40-year-old clerk from Milton, Florida, was killed on September 15, 2020, while working at the Tom Thumb gas station on Glover Lane. Surveillance footage shows Hakeem Peterson entered the store intending to rob it, pushed a gun into Parker’s ribs and demanded money. After taking $75 and backing Parker into a corner, Peterson fired a single shot into her chest when she tried to push him away; Parker died at the scene.

Peterson was arrested six days later by U.S. Marshals during a traffic stop in Decatur, Georgia and extradited to Santa Rosa County. He was charged with first-degree premeditated murder and armed robbery and later found guilty of first-degree felony murder. Circuit Judge Clifton Drake sentenced Peterson to life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Parker’s husband, William Parker, and other family members addressed the court during sentencing; Peterson offered an apology and expressed remorse.

Anyone who knew Lee Ann, worked with her at the Tom Thumb, or has information about the events leading up to the robbery is asked to come forward.