OCALA, Fla. – Ocala police have arrested a 19-year-old in connection with the fatal shooting of a convenience store employee Tuesday evening.
Officers responded to Kings Food Mart on SW Martin Luther King Ave. around 5:30 p.m. after reports of a shooting. Inside the store, officers found 45-year-old Ean Stein, an Ocala resident and store employee, suffering from gunshot wounds.
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Stein was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Suspect identified, arrested within minutes
Detectives learned that Stein and another individual had been involved in a brief physical altercation inside the store just before the shooting. Curnel Brown, 19, was present during the fight but was not a participant, according to police.
Investigators say evidence collected at the scene — including video footage — identified Brown as the shooter. He was located at a nearby location within minutes and taken into custody without incident. Investigators also recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
Murder charge filed
After reviewing the evidence, detectives say they determined that the use of deadly force was not justified. Brown has been charged with second-degree murder and transported to Marion County Jail.
The Ocala Police Department released a statement following the arrest.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Stein during this difficult time,” the department said. “The Ocala Police Department is dedicated to keeping our community safe and staying transparent with the public. We thank our officers and detectives for their swift efforts on this case.”