By Manisha Sahu, 21 September 2025

America News World

Union County, South Carolina – A 49-year-old Gujarati woman, Kiran Patel, was tragically shot dead during a violent armed robbery at the convenience store she managed in Union County, South Carolina. Police have arrested 21-year-old Zaedan Mack Hill in connection with her killing, following a tense hours-long standoff with law enforcement.

The horrifying incident has left the Indian-American community shaken, raising concerns about rising gun violence and the vulnerability of immigrant workers in small-town America.

A Day of Violence

According to authorities, September 16 turned into a bloody day in Union County. Earlier in the afternoon, police discovered the body of 42-year-old Charles Nathan Crosby lying unresponsive in a yard on South Mountain Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe Hill was responsible for that shooting as well.

Just hours later, tragedy struck again. At around 10:30 p.m., Patel, who managed DD’s Food Mart, was wrapping up her day’s work when Hill allegedly entered the store with a firearm.

The Shooting of Kiran Patel

Based on accounts shared on a GoFundMe campaign set up for Patel’s family, Hill climbed onto the store’s counter and pointed his gun toward Patel as she counted cash at the register. Before she could hand over the money, he fired at her.

In a desperate attempt to defend herself, Patel threw a plastic bottle toward the assailant and ran toward the parking lot. But Hill allegedly chased after her, continuing to fire as she tried to escape.

Patel managed to run just 20 feet before a bullet struck her, causing her to collapse. Shockingly, Hill reportedly returned to fire another shot at her as she lay unconscious on the ground before fleeing the scene.

Emergency responders rushed to the store, but Patel succumbed to her injuries.

Arresting the Suspect

Authorities quickly identified Hill as the prime suspect. On September 18, officers from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Union Public Safety Department, and a SWAT team converged on a residence on South Church Street armed with both search and arrest warrants.

What followed was an hours-long standoff, with Hill refusing to surrender. Tactical units and negotiators worked carefully to avoid further bloodshed. Eventually, police managed to bring Hill out safely and placed him under arrest.

He was booked into the Union County Jail and has been charged with murder in Patel’s killing. Additional charges are expected in connection with Crosby’s death.

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Community in Shock

The violent death of Kiran Patel has devastated her family and left the wider Indian-origin community mourning. Patel, originally from Gujarat, had been a familiar face in Union County, where she was known for her warm demeanor and dedication to her work.

“She was always kind and helpful,” said one local resident. “She worked long hours at the store, and everyone in the neighborhood knew her. For her life to end like this is beyond heartbreaking.”

The GoFundMe campaign set up to support Patel’s family has described her as a hardworking mother and wife who sacrificed everything for her loved ones. “Her life was cut short in a senseless act of violence,” the campaign states. Contributions have been pouring in from people across the U.S., many from the Indian-American diaspora.

A Broader Issue

Patel’s killing has reignited concerns about the dangers faced by small business owners and convenience store workers, many of whom are immigrants. These individuals often work late-night shifts in high-risk environments with limited protection.

Community leaders have called for stronger safety measures, including increased surveillance, better police patrols, and stricter enforcement against armed robberies.

“Small business owners like Kiran Patel are the backbone of our economy,” said one local activist at a candlelight vigil. “They provide essential services and work tirelessly for their families. It is unacceptable that they continue to face such dangers without adequate safeguards.”

Legal Proceedings Ahead

Prosecutors in Union County have indicated that they will pursue the case with full force. Hill faces a murder charge for Patel’s death, and more charges could follow as investigations into Crosby’s killing progress.

If convicted, Hill could face life imprisonment. Legal experts suggest that the brutal nature of the crime—especially the allegation that he shot Patel again after she collapsed—may weigh heavily against him in court.

Remembering Kiran Patel

As Union County grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, friends, neighbors, and family members are coming together to honor Patel’s memory. Vigils and prayer services are being planned in her name.

For many, her death has become a painful reminder of both the sacrifices and the vulnerabilities of immigrant families who build their lives in America.

“She was more than just a store manager,” said another customer who frequented Patel’s shop. “She was a friend, a neighbor, and someone who cared about this community. Her loss will be felt deeply for years to come.”

As Patel’s family mourns and seeks justice, the community waits to see how the legal proceedings unfold. But for now, the tragedy has left an indelible scar on Union County, serving as both a cautionary tale about unchecked violence and a call for change in how society protects those who serve on the frontlines of everyday life.

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