Veteran with ‘so much to live for’ killed in Family Dollar robbery, NC loved ones say
A beloved Air Force veteran with “so much to live for” was killed during a robbery in North Carolina, his girlfriend told news outlets.
Alexander Thomas, 46, was working as a Family Dollar manager when officers said two people came into the store and shot him in the chest on Sunday, May 28. Thomas was found injured near a cash register and taken to a hospital, where he later died, the Goldsboro Police Department told the Goldsboro News-Argus.
Thomas is remembered in news reports as a “positive and charming” person who worked hard to become a manager at the store.
“He had so much to live for,” his girlfriend, Terra Althoff, told WNCN. “He had so much going on in his life. It’s not fair.”
Now, two people face murder charges in Thomas’ death. News outlets didn’t list attorney information for the suspects, identified as 20-year-old Yiheim Quishown Fryar and 24-year-old Aaron Taiwan Coppedge.
Family Dollar, which didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on May 30, shared a statement with ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred at our Wayne Memorial Drive Family Dollar in Goldsboro this weekend,” the statement said. “We will continue to cooperate fully with local authorities on their investigation. As always, we are committed to ensuring a safe environment for our associates and customers.”
Thomas suffered from PTSD, but “working for the Family Dollar helped change his life around and gave him something more to strive for,” Althoff told WNCN.
She’s now left in disbelief over his loss.
“It’s not fair what happened to him,” Althoff told WRAL. “He didn’t deserve this.
After the robbery, Fryar and Coppedge were arrested, charged with murder and taken to the Wayne County jail, according to news outlets.
Goldsboro, home to the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, is roughly 55 miles southeast of Raleigh. The city’s police department didn’t immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on May 30.
This story was originally published May 30, 2023 at 9:55 AM with the headline "Veteran with ‘so much to live for’ killed in Family Dollar robbery, NC loved ones say."
