Man accused of Tice store clerk killing sentenced to 45 years

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A 24-year-old man was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the February killing of a convenience store clerk.

Christopher Harris shot a clerk in the chest and took cash from the register at the Gulf Express on 4843 Palm Beach Blvd. in Tice, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Surveillance footage shows the clerk, 62-year-old Sayed Ahad, slumped behind the counter as Harris ran away.

Ahad was found dead less than 30 minutes later.

Harris admitted to the robbery shortly after his arrest in February, but said he “did not mean to kill” Ahad, according to an arrest report. He was charged with robbery with a firearm, homicide and possession of a weapon by a convicted U.S. felon.

Harris was convicted in October.