ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) – Roswell police are investigating a deadly early morning shooting outside a convenience store. Police report the incident took place around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, outside the Allsup’s off North Main Street and Country Club Road.
Authorities say the store was closed to customers, however, an employee had been working inside the store. The Roswell Police Department reports a male employee had gone outside and was inside his vehicle taking a break when a man pulled up in a vehicle and approached the store employee.
Police say the second man, later identified as 29-year-old Jeffrey Miller began confronting the store employee about how he wanted to buy cigarettes from the store despite the store being closed. Miller then reportedly began talking about a gun he saw in the seat of the store employee’s vehicle.
According to RPD, investigators believe Miller was intoxicated and he then returned to his vehicle to grab a handgun of his own and again confronted the store employee who had exited his vehicle. The men, who were each reportedly armed, eventually agreed to put the guns away in their waistbands.
However, authorities say Miller reportedly told the store employee he wanted him to give him his gun. Miller reported began reaching for his own gun in his waistband and the store employee later told investigators he feared for his life as Miller reached for his own gun.
RPD reports the employee drew his gun and shot Miller once in the chest. Police say a woman who arrived in the parking lot intending to go to the store called police. Miller died at the scene.
The store clerk was taken to the police station and interviewed by a detective before being released. Authorities say the investigation into this case remains active.
