Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeJan 24, 2017
Two Killed in Separate Weekend Robberies
Police in two cities are investigating jewelry store-related shootings that left an employee and a bystander who tried to intervene dead.
This security camera still provided by the Henderson Police Department shows the suspect wanted in Saturday night’s robbery, which resulted in the shooting death of a store employee, entering the Jared the Galleria of Jewelry store around 9 p.m.
New York--Police in two separate cities are investigating jewelry store-related shootings that left an employee and a bystander who tried to intervene dead.
The first incident happened just before closing time on Saturday at a Jared the Galleria of Jewelry store in Henderson, Nevada.
The suspect entered the store, pulled out a gun and pointed it at one of the employees.
The on-site security guard, who has not been publicly identified, fired a round at the suspect but missed, accidentally hitting and killing the 57-year-old employee instead, said Officer Scott Williams, a public information officer with the Henderson Police Department.
Jared’s parent company, Signet Jewelers Ltd., identified the employee as Kim Hill and issued the following statement on Monday: “We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members and their ability to shop and work in a safe environment.”
"We are taking all necessary steps in cooperating with the local police department and working with our security provider ... We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in connection with their ongoing efforts to apprehend the suspect.”
Williams said the suspect fled the scene and police were still working to determine what, if anything, he stole from the store.
The suspect, who wore a mask during the robbery, is described as a black male, between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. He was wearing a red and black hoodie, black pants and a dark-colored hat or beanie.
Williams said he will face murder charges if apprehended. The security guard is not being charged at this point, though Williams noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The second incident happened at a store that’s also under the Signet umbrella, this one the Kay Jewelers located in the Rolling Oaks Mall just outside San Antonio, Texas.
In an interview broadcast via Facebook Live on Sunday following the incident, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said two individuals robbed the Kay Jewelers store and fled, running to the left to exit the mall.
Two citizens tried to intervene to stop the suspects and there was an exchange of gunfire.
One of the citizens--identified in news reports as 42-year-old Jon Murphy, who reportedly was at the mall with his wife getting their wedding rings cleaned--was shot and killed.
The other citizen, who has a concealed carry permit,
shot and wounded the suspect who killed Murphy. That suspect--identified Tuesday morning by police as 34-year-old Jose Luis Rojas--remains in the hospital in critical condition, San Antonio Police Senior Public Information Officer Sandra Pickell said. The name of the citizen who fired the shot has not been released.
The second suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jason Matthew Prieto, managed to flee, firing shots as he ran through the mall, hitting and wounding two other people, according to police.
He was arrested in nearby Converse, Texas, and charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated robbery. The second suspect will be booked by proxy.
“What we have here,” McManus said at his press conference, “is a robbery gone really, really bad.”
In a separate statement, Signet said it is “shocked and saddened” by what happened at the mall and extends its deepest sympathies to everyone affected. The company said it is cooperating with local law enforcement in the investigation.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include additional information obtained from the San Antonio Police Department.
The second suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jason Matthew Prieto, managed to flee, firing shots as he ran through the mall, hitting and wounding two other people, according to police.
He was arrested in nearby Converse, Texas, and charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated robbery. The second suspect will be booked by proxy.
“What we have here,” McManus said at his press conference, “is a robbery gone really, really bad.”
In a separate statement, Signet said it is “shocked and saddened” by what happened at the mall and extends its deepest sympathies to everyone affected. The company said it is cooperating with local law enforcement in the investigation.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include additional information obtained from the San Antonio Police Department.
The Latest
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
