Crime

Two Killed in Separate Weekend Robberies

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.

20170124_Jared-robbery-suspect.jpg
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.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

New York City FC winning the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy in 2021
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports History

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Exhibitor at JIS
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure Program

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy