Tacoma Teen Found Guilty in Store Owner’s Murder

Angel Anthony Mendez, 20, is convicted of first-degree murder and attempted robbery for fatally shooting Seok Park, the owner of Tacoma’s “The Little Store,” during a botched robbery. The jury, however, could not reach a verdict on the aggravated murder charge, which would have exposed Mendez to a potential life sentence without parole, resulting in a mistrial on that count.

On October 3, 2023, surveillance footage captured Park raising his hands in surrender before Mendez shot him, igniting outrage and condolences within the community. Alongside this case, Mendez faced multiple charges stemming from another robbery the following day, where he allegedly targeted vape products. His sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2025, with minimum penalties that could lead to years in prison due to enhancements tied to the use of a firearm.

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