Suspect accused of killing Antioch gas station cashier found dead

ANTIOCH, Calif. (KGO) -- Antioch police say the suspect accused of killing a gas station cashier has died. Police say the man robbed a Valero gas station on Hillcrest Avenue around 8:30 Monday night.

The suspect beat and fatally shot 57-year-old Mohammad Jawad Ataie, police said. An officer saw it happen, and fired at the suspect, hitting him in the stomach, officials said.
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The following morning, the suspect was found dead near his vehicle which was parked in the 100 block of W. 20th Street in Antioch, police said.

RELATED: Family of Antioch Valero employee shot, killed in robbery speaks out

Ataie's family says he often worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide for his family. His wife and three children shared video of their last celebration together on Father's Day.

VIDEO: Ataie family celebrates Father's Day 2017
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"I can't believe it, I can't believe it," sobbed his widow, Sarah.



His son Tabesh added, "My birthday is on the 12th, I turn 24, and he's not going to be here."

The family has set up a GoFundMe Page to help pay for funeral expenses. Click here if you'd like to help.