Jasmine Bennett was 25 when she was fatally shot at the Dollar Tree in Lawrence, Indiana, on May 8, 2023. She had picked up a shift that day so the store would open on time. Around 1:30 p.m., a former employee, 21-year-old Jalen Thomas, entered and began arguing with Bennett; the dispute escalated and Thomas shot her multiple times. Bennett was taken to a local hospital and later died of her injuries.

The conflict dated back weeks: Thomas had been fired in March 2023 for alleged theft and later returned to the store. A dispute arose when Bennett refused to process a merchandise exchange for him. Investigators say Thomas bought a handgun after that refusal and on May 8 shot Bennett four times, including once to the head. Officers arrested Thomas at his home shortly after the shooting; he admitted on a body camera I killed somebody and later told detectives he intended to kill Bennett.

Thomas was preliminarily charged with murder and unlawfully carrying a handgun. Bennett’s family described her as the glue that held them together and remembered her infectious laugh and generous spirit. If anyone knew Jasmine or saw what happened at the store that day, please share information.