LAWRENCE, Ind. — Police have revealed a possible motive in the shooting death of a Dollar Tree employee in Lawrence.
Lawrence Police Department detectives said 21-year old Jalen Thomas shot 25-year old Jasmine Bennett multiple times Monday afternoon over an alleged merchandise exchange.
According to court documents, the coroner confirmed Bennett was shot six times and ruled her death a homicide.
Employees told a detective that Thomas was fired in March for stealing and had been back twice "causing problems." Thomas reportedly told a detective he had an argument with management, wanting more work hours at the Dollar Tree.
Thomas reportedly got upset and knocked over items in the store and quit his job.
According to court documents, a few weeks ago, Thomas came back to the store and got upset with Bennett after she allegedly wouldn't do a merchandise exchange. He told the detective he purchased a handgun after that incident.
According to court documents, witnesses identified Thomas as the suspect. Surveillance video from outside Dollar Tree and nearby businesses also showed Thomas at the store at the time of the shooting and quickly driving away.
When detectives went to Thomas' home to speak with him, Thomas and his father came out of the house. Court documents say Thomas' father asked Thomas what was going on, to which Thomas responded, "I killed somebody." Police said this statement was captured on police-worn body camera.
A detective later informed Thomas of Bennett's death, to which Thomas reportedly told the detective it was his intent to kill Bennett.
Thomas also told the detective he was "sorry" and "didn't want the chance of parole or probation."
Thomas' initial court hearing is scheduled for Friday, May 12 at 9 a.m.
Anyone with additional information on the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
Bennett's family is planning a vigil for her on Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in front of the Dollar Tree.
The family is hoping their faith gets them through.
"We were supposed to go the the Jonas Brothers concert, and I don't even know if I can go because she was supposed to go with me. She's been everywhere with me, and now she's not there. It's hard to go home. It's just an empty house," Bennett's mother, Dina Ford, said Tuesday.