Police say the suspect fled after the shooting before being fatally shot during a later confrontation with officers.
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A Dollar General store manager was fatally shot while ringing up a customer who was buying hamburger buns for $1.58, authorities said. The shooting happened shortly after 10 a.m. on June 23 at a store on Victory Drive, ending in the death of the suspect less than two hours later during an encounter with police.
The victim, 44-year-old Alexis Hill, was a mother of three and grandmother of two who managed the Columbus store. Investigators said the shooting appeared to stem from a brief interaction during the checkout process rather than any prior relationship between Hill and the customer. Authorities continue to review evidence surrounding both the store shooting and the later police confrontation that left an officer and a police dog injured but expected to recover.
According to investigators, Hill was working the checkout counter when 33-year-old Jerome Willis approached to purchase a package of hamburger buns totaling $1.58. Authorities said Willis handed Hill two crumpled $1 bills. As Hill straightened the bills to complete the transaction, Willis stepped away from the register, drew a handgun and shot her. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan pronounced Hill dead at about 10:45 a.m. Officials have not identified any argument or prolonged confrontation before the shooting. Family members told local media they were unaware of any connection between Hill and Willis, and investigators have likewise said the two did not appear to know one another.
After leaving the store, Willis fled the area before officers located him roughly an hour later in a parking lot. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Columbus police gave verbal commands that Willis ignored. Officers then deployed a police dog in an attempt to take him into custody. Investigators said Willis shot the K-9 and pointed his firearm toward officers. Police returned fire, striking Willis multiple times. He died at the scene. One Columbus police officer also suffered a gunshot wound during the confrontation, while the K-9 was injured. Officials said both survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the officer-involved shooting, which is standard procedure following such incidents.
Hill’s death has deeply affected family members, friends and coworkers, who described her as a hardworking manager devoted to both her job and her family. Friends remembered her as someone who maintained a positive attitude and frequently lifted the spirits of those around her. One friend told local television station WTVM that Hill was “sweet” and always able to make people laugh, adding that she took pride in her work and gave everything she had to the store she managed. Her brother, Jonathan Hill, said the loss has devastated the family and created a void that cannot be filled. He later established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support Hill’s estate following her unexpected death.
Investigators have not announced a motive for the shooting, and officials have not disclosed whether surveillance video or witness interviews have provided additional insight into why the encounter turned deadly. Authorities have indicated there is no evidence that Hill and Willis had any previous relationship, making the violence appear random. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the police shooting, while Columbus police are investigating the homicide at the Dollar General store. As is typical in such cases, findings from the GBI will eventually be turned over to prosecutors for review.
Outside the store, the shock of the violence has resonated throughout the Columbus community, where Hill was known by many customers and employees. Relatives said she balanced the responsibilities of raising three children while embracing her role as a grandmother to two young grandchildren. Those who knew her described her as generous, dependable and committed to helping others. Community members have shared tributes online and expressed sympathy for Hill’s family, while colleagues remembered her dedication to serving customers each day. The incident also underscored the risks faced by retail workers, whose routine interactions can unexpectedly turn violent.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing evidence from both scenes. Officials have not announced any additional findings regarding the motive behind the shooting. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is expected to complete its review of the officer-involved shooting before forwarding the case for prosecutorial consideration, while Hill’s family prepares to honor her life and legacy.