Laura Whitman, 53, was shot and killed on June 25, 2022, while working as a clerk at a Quik Chek gas station in Star, North Carolina. She had recently started at that location and was described as well-known and loved in the community. According to surveillance footage, a suspect entered the store, demanded money, jumped over the counter, took cash from the register and shot Whitman multiple times before fleeing with additional money, despite her compliance.

Investigators arrested two people in connection with the killing. A 17-year-old male was located near Darlington, South Carolina, and charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon; he was also wanted in an attempted murder on June 5 in Darlington. A 57-year-old man, James William Ward, was arrested and charged with the same crimes and is believed to have driven the getaway car. Whitman’s daughter, Courtney Rodriguez, described her mother as kind and caring and said she wants the suspects held accountable.

Anyone who knew Laura, worked at that Quik Chek, or has information about the incident or the movements of the suspects that night is asked to come forward.