“She Should Have Come Home”: Family Seeks Answers After Dollar General Manager Fatally Shot at Work

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA — The family of 44-year-old Alexis Hill is grieving the loss of a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother after she was fatally shot while working as the manager of a Dollar General store, a tragedy that has shaken the local community and renewed debate about public safety, mental health, and repeat violent offenders.

Authorities say the suspected gunman, 33-year-old Jerome Willis, was later killed during an officer-involved shooting following the incident.

A Routine Workday Turned Tragic

According to investigators, Alexis Hill was working at the Dollar General store when the shooting occurred.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Hill died from her injuries.

Friends and coworkers have described her as a hardworking, caring woman who was devoted to her family and proud of her role as a mother and grandmother.

A growing memorial of flowers, candles, and messages now stands outside the store where she lost her life.

Family Remembers Alexis

In emotional interviews following the shooting, Alexis’ family said she had been looking forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren and was excited about the future.

Her brother described the loss as unimaginable and said the family is struggling to understand how such a tragedy could happen.

Despite their grief, he also urged the public not to direct anger toward the suspect’s relatives.

“They’re hurting too,” he said, acknowledging that another family is now living through its own devastating loss.

Questions About the Suspect’s History

Court records indicate Jerome Willis had previous arrests dating back to 2011, including allegations involving robbery, aggravated assault, and terroristic threats.

Public records also show he had recently been released from prison in May, prompting Alexis’ family to ask whether more could have been done to prevent the violence.

Authorities have not stated whether those prior cases were directly connected to the events that led to the shooting.

Suspect’s Mother Speaks Out

The suspect’s mother also expressed sympathy for Alexis Hill’s family, saying she was heartbroken by what had happened.

She said her son had struggled with mental health issues and that she is still searching for answers about the events that unfolded.

Her comments have added another layer of complexity to a case that has sparked conversations about mental health care, community safety, and the criminal justice system.

Investigation Continues

Law enforcement agencies continue investigating the circumstances surrounding both the fatal shooting and the subsequent officer-involved shooting.

Officials have not yet released all investigative findings.

Victim: Alexis Hill, 44
Remembered as a devoted mother, sister, and grandmother
Suspect later died in an officer-involved shooting
Community calls for answers and meaningful change

As family members prepare to lay Alexis Hill to rest, many hope her death will lead to broader conversations about preventing similar tragedies while honoring the life of a woman remembered for her kindness, dedication, and love for her family.