SOUTH EL MONTE, CA – A tragic incident unfolded at a local discount store in South El Monte, leaving a community in mourning and authorities on the lookout for three suspects. The confrontation over a shoplifting attempt ended in the death of a 63-year-old man.
Kourosh Yaghoubi, a cherished local business owner, lost his life after confronting a thief who attempted to steal a $10 box of surgical masks from his family-operated store. According to his brother, Jamshid Yaghoubi, the thief picked the masks and walked out without paying, prompting the brothers to follow him outside in an attempt to recover the merchandise.
The situation quickly escalated when the suspect punched Kourosh, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. As the suspects fled in a light blue Honda, they ran over Kourosh, resulting in fatal injuries. The suspects, described as Latino males, remain at large, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.
This tragic event is not the first for the Yaghoubi family. In 2021, another brother was killed in an unrelated attack, further compounding the family’s grief and highlighting the ongoing challenges they face.
The small business has been repeatedly targeted by shoplifters, adding to the stress of running the store. Jamshid expressed the difficulty of maintaining the business under such threats and the devastating impact of losing his brother in such a violent manner.
The local community is reeling from the incident, which underscores the potential dangers faced by small business owners when dealing with theft. The escalation from a minor shoplifting incident to a fatal confrontation has left many questioning the safety measures in place to protect store owners.
As the investigation continues, there is a strong community push for justice and closure for the Yaghoubi family. Support and condolences are pouring in from across the area, as residents rally to assist the grieving family during this difficult time.
Authorities remain committed to finding the suspects and bringing them to justice, with the hope that Kourosh’s death will not be in vain and will lead to increased awareness and safety for other small business owners.