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A Celebration of Courage

Madona Devasahayam in Washington

Over a dozen Clergymen and civic leaders came to greet the owners of the Dunkin Donut shop near the Andrew airforce base here where two Indian immigrants were shot dead eight months ago and the third one was left for dead in a robbery that yielded $100. Christians, Jews and Hindus held hands and offered silent prayers when the ribbon was cut and shop resumed business.

The visitors came through Sunday and Monday to assure Jay Patel that he will have the support and backing of the community. The well-wishers brought dozens of donuts and dozens of cups of coffee. The shop is located some 20 miles from this city.

They hailed his courage and hoped that his action will lead to the rejuvenation of the mall that, not too long ago, used to attract hundreds of families. But as crime in the neighborhood increased, many shops relocated and the areas around the shop were boarded up. The Dunkin' Donut shop was one of the few businesses that remained in the area till it shuttered down after the killings.

"Immigrants are showing us the way to fight crime, to make the neighborhood safer," said Charles Freeman who came to the shop after visiting his friends at the airforce base.

"We wanted this shop to open," the Rev Jack Marcom, pastor of Fort Washington Baptist Church, said. "We wanted to say something to the not-so-good community that we will not be defeated. People do not have to live and work in fear."

Eight months ago Kanu Patel and Mukesh Patel were shot dead in the early hours of the morning, and Ashvin Patel was left for dead. He was rescued by the fire-fighters who arrived on the scene soon after the killers had escaped, having stolen $100, to buy cocaine. They had torched the shop to destroy any evidence of their crime.

Last week, a jury here convicted Trone Tyrone Ashford of felony murder, while John Lemon Epps IV, his suspected accomplice, will stand trial in three months. Alicia N Holloway, who stole the cash register, pleaded guilty June 4 to two counts of felony murder. She co-operated with the authorities and turned a witness against her former friend.

Ashford has denied his hand in the killing, asserting that he was taken back when his former friend Epps suddenly pulled out a gun and announced a robbery. Ashford told the court that he fled into the bathroom while he heard shots ringing out at the back of the shop. His lawyer argued that Epps was the killer.

Some of the visitors said they were still outraged by the crime, and publicly declared that the young criminals ought to be hanged to set an example.

EARLIER REPORT:
Accused in Dunkin' Donut Murders Found Guilty

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