Attempt Murder and Robbery Suspects Caught on Video

Los Angeles: A liquor store clerk is fighting for his life from a gunshot wound received from would be robbers.

On November 2, 2006, at about 1:00 PM, two suspects entered the "Maple Liquor and Market" located in the 3000 block of South Maple Avenue in South Los Angeles. Both suspects waited for all the customers to leave the store when one of the suspects handed a robbery note to the clerk. The clerk later identified as Simon Khalil, 35, read the note and threw it back at the suspects. One of the suspects pulled out a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at Khalil. As Khalil engaged the suspect in a brief conversation, the second suspect pulled a sawed-off rifle from a backpack and also pointed it at Khalil. During this confrontation the suspect with the handgun fired one round, striking Khalil in the chest. Both suspects ran southbound on Maple Avenue to a waiting vehicle.

Khalil was taken to California Hospital where he is listed in grave condition. The market is owned and operated by both Khalil and his brother. The brother was also at the market during the shooting, but he was uninjured.

The suspect who shot Khalil was described as a Hispanic man in his early 20s. The second suspect was also a Hispanic in his late teens.

The entire incident was caught on the store video. Still Photographs of the suspects are available through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newton Homicide Detectives at 323-846-6556. On weekends and during off-hours call the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.