A Dollar General manager in Columbus, Georgia, was fatally shot Tuesday morning by a customer who became irate after being asked to pay for hamburger buns with crumpled bills. Alexis Hill, 44, was working at the store's checkout counter around 10 a.m. when the incident occurred.
According to officials, the customer, identified as Jerome Willis, 33, presented two crumpled $1 bills to pay for his $1.58 purchase. While Hill attempted to flatten the bills, Willis allegedly drew a handgun and shot her. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Muscogee County Coroner at 10:45 a.m.
Willis fled the store and ran to a nearby parking lot. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) officers located him and issued verbal demands. When Willis did not comply, a K-9 officer was deployed. During the apprehension attempt, Willis reportedly pulled out a gun again and fired at officers and the K-9. Police returned fire, killing Willis at the scene.
One Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer was treated for injuries at a hospital and released. The K-9, named Havoc, underwent surgery and is recovering. The GBI is continuing to investigate the deadly encounter.
Hill, a mother of three sons and two grandchildren, was remembered by her family as a kind and generous person who worked hard at her job. Her brother, Jonathan Hill, launched a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and support her children and grandchildren. A friend described Hill as a "sweet" and "positive" individual.
The CPD posted on social media that the day was difficult for the community and the department, acknowledging the loss of life, the injured officer, and the wounded K-9. The department used the incident to highlight the daily dangers faced by law enforcement officers. Eliza Hill's family stated that she and Willis did not know each other.