Beer thieves fatally stab store clerk

**adroitcuffs** · 01-11-09, 07:45 PM

Clerk stabbed to death by beer thieves

Sunday, January 11, 2009
City News Service
HEMET, Calif. (CNS) -- A popular convenience store clerk was stabbed to death when he tried to stop two people stealing beer at the Depot Deli Market in central Hemet, police said Sunday. Authorities were still looking for suspects as of 1 p.m. today, said Hemet police Sgt. Matt Hess.

David Lynn Ganns, 60, known to locals as "Skip," was working his normal Saturday night shift in the 200 block of West Florida Avenue when two men tried to steal beer at about 11 p.m., according to Hemet police and the coroner. Ganns tried to intervene, but one of the men pulled a knife and stabbed Ganns.

Police, firefighters and medics tried to save Ganns, but he was pronounced dead at 11:44 p.m. at Hemet Valley Medical Center, according to Pinney and the coroner.
Witnesses told police two suspects ran south from Florida and State Street, Pinney said.
The suspects were described as white or light-skinned Hispanic, between 18 and 28 years of age, both with medium builds and 5-feet-6 to 5-feet-10 inches tall, Pinney said.
One suspect was wearing a plaid shirt and a beanie. One or both suspects may have head and neck tattoos.

Ganns was popular with police and other public safety workers on overnight shifts because he worked the same graveyard hours they did, Hess said.
"From the point of view of the police department, Skip was a guy who was always there," Hess said. "He worked every day of the week except Tuesday, 11 p.m. to 7 in the morning.
"It's like part of your training when you're a new police officer, you've got to go over and meet Skip," Hess said. "His job, that was his life. It's too bad he had to go out like that."
Pinney encouraged anyone with information to call (951) 765-3897.

Story link: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?se...ire&id=6597903

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I have to say that our department is truly saddened by this senseless murder. Skip was always good to us. We'd often joke that if you really want to know what's going on in the city, just ask Skip. No matter the hour or circumstance, when I'd go in to buy a beverage and/or a snack, the last thing Skip would say to me was, "You be careful out there!" I'll be polite and just say that I hope these bastards rot in hell for what they did.

**Pinki** · 01-11-09, 08:50 PM

That's very sad..may he RIP

**Cidp24** · 01-11-09, 08:54 PM

We have had a few clerks like that, ones that all the officers liked and got along with.

RIP, hope they catch the turds soon.

**Captain America** · 01-11-09, 11:16 PM

Rest in Peace , Skip. Prayers for family and friends.

**adroitcuffs** · 01-11-09, 11:32 PM

The link has been updated with a video clip. In the clip, there's a photo of the previous rotation's night shift guys with Skip in front of the store.

**Odd** · 01-12-09, 12:22 AM

Thank you Mr Ganns for standing up for what's right as your last act on this earth.
It's my loss to have not met you; your friends remember you well.

May these murderers be caught quickly