A late-night shooting at a 24-hour convenience store in Alexandria left 58-year-old Verna Francis dead. On September 17, 2024, at about 11:17 PM, police were called to the Chi Town Gas and Grocery on the 3800 block of 3rd Street after a shooting. Francis was found with gunshot wounds and was taken to a local hospital, where she later died.

The Alexandria Police Department opened a homicide investigation centered on the store at Willow Glen River Road. The Alexandria Police Detective Division and Crime Stoppers of CenLa have asked the public for information and are offering a cash reward for tips.

If anyone was in or near Chi Town Gas and Grocery that night or has information that could help investigators, please contact the authorities.