Family mourns tire shop worker killed over billing dispute – NBC4 Washington

A man who came to America to earn money to support his family was killed in Maryland over a small amount of cash, relatives told News4.

Anthony Okoye, 41, had only been working at a tire shop in Capitol Heights for a few months when he was shot at work.

Okoye moved to the United States last November to earn money in Nigeria for his wife and two children. The family is devastated that he will never make it home.

“You have not only taken a son; You took away a husband and a father just like that,” said Okoye’s cousin Izu Akosa.

Okoye was working alone at the 24-hour tire shop last month when a payment dispute arose with two customers, according to billing records.

At some point a fight broke out between Okoye and one of the men. Then one of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot him, investigators said.

The men then drove away in a Mercedes.

The cameras in the store also recorded audio, according to investigators, so they could hear what was said leading up to the shooting.

The suspects argued with Okoye over the price of the tires and Okoye demanded payment for his work, investigators said.

“If you can kill a life for $40, that’s terrible,” Akosa said.

This week two men were arrested on murder charges after police received anonymous tips.

A police officer recognized one of the suspects from a previous case, a charging document says.

Both suspects are being held without bail.

“The people who did this are cold-blooded murderers,” Akosa said.

Okoye's cousin said the family doesn't have many resources. They are trying to raise money to have Okoye's body sent back to Nigeria.

“The justice for me and our family back home is that they should not be released,” Akosa said. “They should be held accountable.”

Employees said the tire shop was no longer open 24 hours after the shooting.

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