Indian immigrant shot dead in Arizona

A 62-year-old Indian immigrant was shot dead at a convenience store by an African-American man even as the assailant's minor sons watched in the US' Arizona state.

A 62-year-old Indian immigrant was shot dead at a convenience store by an African-American man even as the assailant's minor sons watched in the US' Arizona state.

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Police arrested Jermaine Canada, 27, who had a lengthy criminal record, within hours of the killing of Inder Jit Jassal but the motive behind the murder was not immediately clear.

Police said the surveillance video from the store where the victim was a clerk showed the attacker walking in around 0200 hours, carrying toddler in one arm and an older boy entering a little later.

The man had brief conservation with Jassal, pulled out the gun and shot the victim in the presence of his boys. There appears to have been no argument before the shooting.

Canada had been released from the prison eight months ago after serving time for misconduct with weapons.

Local media was quoted police as saying that the assailant did not steal anything. Nor did he quarrel with Jassal.

"He went in, had a brief conversation, and shot the clerk," said Phoenix Detective Stacie Derge. "Based on the video, it did not appear to be an argument."

Investigators have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the slaying.

Canada, Arizona Republic newspaper said, has a history of felony convictions that date back to his teenage years. His convictions include aggravated assault and drug possession.