Tucson, Arizona – A longtime 7-Eleven employee is being remembered as a hardworking and kind presence after he was fatally shot during an armed robbery late last week in Tucson. Police say the shooting occurred when the employee attempted to stop a suspect from leaving the store with stolen alcohol.
Incident Overview
The deadly shooting happened Thursday night, just before 11 p.m., at a 7-Eleven near East 29th Street and South Columbus Boulevard. The victim, Scott Kennedy, a 55-year-old employee known to friends and customers as “Cowboy,” was shot in the head during an alleged armed robbery.
Tucson police say Kennedy died at the scene, leaving coworkers, regular customers, and the surrounding community in shock.
Timeline of Events
According to court documents, Andres McKale, 20, entered the convenience store late Thursday evening. Investigators say McKale went to the back coolers, grabbed eight alcoholic drinks, and walked toward the exit without paying.
Kennedy attempted to stop him at the front of the store. Police say McKale then approached Kennedy while holding a gun.
When Kennedy asked McKale to return the alcohol, investigators allege the suspect pointed the gun at Kennedy’s head and threatened to shoot.
Moments later, McKale fired a single shot, striking Kennedy in the head. Despite being legally armed, Kennedy did not draw his weapon, according to police.
McKale fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Details From Police and Court Records
McKale made his initial court appearance on Sunday, where he identified himself before the judge.
“Hi, I’m Andres McKale,” he said during the hearing.
He is now charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. Tucson police investigators say McKale later claimed he acted in self-defense, but that assertion is contradicted by store surveillance video and witness statements, according to authorities.
Court records also reveal McKale was not alone. Another man, Carlitos Rivera, was allegedly with McKale and left the store shortly before the shooting occurred.
The case remains under investigation by the Tucson Police Department.
Key Facts of the Case
- Victim: Scott Kennedy, 55
- Nickname: “Cowboy”
- Location: 7-Eleven near 29th Street and Columbus Boulevard
- Time: Just before 11 p.m.
- Suspect: Andres McKale, 20
- Charges: First-degree murder, armed robbery
- Items involved: Eight alcoholic drinks
- Additional person: Carlitos Rivera
Witness Accounts and Community Reaction
Friends and customers described Kennedy as a familiar and dependable presence at the store.
“Really hard worker. Cowboy. Really good guy,” said Peter Sackatt, a friend of Kennedy.
Another customer recalled Kennedy’s friendly nature.
“Honestly, he jokes a lot, but he’s a good person,” the man said.
Kennedy was known for being consistently on duty and taking pride in his work.
“I always see him in the store all the time,” another witness said.
“I shop there all the time,” Sackatt added.
Several people said Kennedy was simply doing his job when he tried to stop the theft.
“He went way beyond what he had to do, but he did his job,” one man said.
Safety and Awareness Context
Retail workers face increasing risks during late-night shifts, especially at convenience stores that remain open 24 hours. According to data summarized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, robbery-related violence remains a significant hazard for retail employees, particularly when alcohol or cash is involved.
Police and workplace safety experts stress that no merchandise is worth a life, encouraging businesses to review robbery response policies and security measures to reduce employee risk.
Memorial and Ongoing Investigation
A growing memorial outside the 7-Eleven reflects the grief felt by Kennedy’s friends and regular customers. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes continue to appear at the site.
“He was just doing his job. Why would you take someone’s life when he was just doing his job?” one mourner said.
Police say the investigation is ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness testimony related to the shooting.
Conclusion
The death of Scott Kennedy has left a lasting impact on the Tucson community, highlighting the dangers retail workers can face during routine shifts. As the legal case against Andres McKale moves forward, friends and customers are remembering Kennedy not for the tragedy, but for the kindness and dedication he showed every day at work.
If you have thoughts on workplace safety or have experienced similar situations, share your experiences in the comments below.
