In a shocking and tragic turn of events in Renton, Washington, a community is left reeling after Aaron Brown Myers, 51, was charged with second-degree murder and assault following the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hazrat Ali Rohani.
The incident occurred outside a Big 5 Sporting Goods store, where Myers, described as a professional security consultant, confronted three teenagers he suspected of preparing to commit a robbery, CNN reports.
According to court documents and statements from prosecutors, the evening of June 5 turned deadly when Myers, who was conducting surveillance (“overwatch”) in the parking lot adjacent to where his 13-year-old son attended a martial arts class, spotted the teenagers approaching.
Myers allegedly perceived one of them, identified as HR, as armed, prompting him to intervene to prevent what he believed was an imminent threat.
The encounter quickly escalated as Myers confronted the teens, brandishing his pistol and demanding they drop their weapons and get on the ground.
Despite …