The fatal shooting of a longtime 7-Eleven employee in Tucson has brought renewed attention to the risks faced by convenience store workers and the broader issue of retail crime in the city. Tucson police say 55-year-old Scott Dwayne Kennedy was shot and killed late Thursday, Jan. 22, while working at a 7-Eleven near the intersection of East 29th Street and South Columbus Boulevard.
Authorities allege the shooting occurred after Kennedy attempted to stop a shoplifting incident inside the store. The suspect, 20-year-old Andres Kenneth McKale, was arrested days later and now faces charges including first-degree murder and armed robbery. As court documents outline the sequence of events, neighbors and local business owners are reflecting on both Kennedy’s death and the ongoing safety challenges in the area.
Details of the Shooting and Police Investigation
According to the Tucson Police Department, officers responded to a report of a shooting at the 7-Eleven located at 4295 East 29th Street late Thursday night. Upon arrival, they found Scott Kennedy suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency response efforts, Kennedy was pronounced dead at the scene. Police quickly determined the shooting stemmed from a confrontation inside the store involving suspected shoplifting.
An interim complaint filed by prosecutors provides a detailed account of what investigators believe occurred. Kennedy and another employee were working inside the store when two men entered together. One of those men, according to police, was Andres Kenneth McKale. Surveillance footage and witness statements indicate McKale went to the back of the store, where he removed several alcoholic beverages from coolers. Meanwhile, the second man remained near the register before eventually leaving the store.
The complaint states that Kennedy noticed the alleged theft and moved toward the front entrance. As McKale approached the door, he was reportedly carrying multiple alcoholic items in his left arm and hand. In his right hand, police say, he was holding a pistol. Court documents indicate Kennedy demanded that McKale return the items before leaving the store. Investigators say McKale then pointed the gun at Kennedy’s head. The documents note that Kennedy was legally carrying a firearm in a holster on his hip but did not draw it during the confrontation.
According to the complaint, McKale told Kennedy to get out of his way. Kennedy refused. The interim complaint further states that Kennedy told McKale he would have to shoot him, a statement investigators believe was made during the escalating confrontation. Moments later, McKale allegedly fired a single shot, striking Kennedy in the head. Police say the shooting happened at close range. McKale then fled the store, running to a friend’s house. Officers later recovered evidence from the scene and reviewed surveillance footage as part of the investigation.
McKale was arrested Saturday, Jan. 25, though police note he was initially taken into custody on an unrelated parole violation. After being advised of his rights, McKale spoke with investigators. According to the interim complaint, he admitted he went to the 7-Eleven with the intention of stealing liquor. He told police he fired his weapon once, claiming he acted in self-defense, and said he did not know where the bullet struck Kennedy.
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Court documents also reveal that McKale told investigators he attempted to take his own life later that night by ingesting a large quantity of drugs. He reportedly expressed remorse, telling police he felt guilt over killing a man “who was just doing his job.” McKale remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system, with prosecutors pursuing charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery.
Community Reaction and Remembering Scott Kennedy
News of Kennedy’s death has deeply affected residents living near the store, many of whom said he was a familiar and well-liked presence in the neighborhood. Neighbors interviewed after the shooting described the area as one that has experienced repeated incidents of crime, but they emphasized that the loss of Kennedy felt particularly personal. Ron Fox, who lives nearby, said he had spoken with Kennedy earlier that day. Fox recalled telling Kennedy he planned to return later to grab a soda and spend some time talking with him.
Instead, Fox said he later heard an argument outside his apartment, followed by sirens. The realization that Kennedy had been shot and killed came as a shock. Jessica Anderson, another nearby resident, said the shooting left her fearful for her own safety. She noted that her bedroom window is located just feet from the store and said the incident made the danger feel immediate and personal. Anderson described Kennedy as a good employee who did not deserve to lose his life.
Several neighbors shared similar sentiments, describing Kennedy as friendly, helpful, and kind to customers. According to Fox, Kennedy had once experienced homelessness and later found stability through his job at the 7-Eleven. Residents said he became a fixture at the store, someone they expected to see during routine visits and casual conversations.
The shooting has also reopened memories of previous violent incidents at the same location. In 2023, an ICE agent was injured in a drive-by shooting at the 7-Eleven. Days after that incident, federal authorities announced the arrest of a Tucson man with a lengthy criminal history. The U.S. Department of Justice said Jerardo Jay Rosales was taken into custody on charges including assault of a federal officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
For some residents, Kennedy’s death reinforced the perception that the area has long struggled with persistent crime and safety concerns. Fox said the repeated incidents make him angry, describing the violence as widespread, particularly on that side of town. Other residents echoed the frustration, noting that while they have grown accustomed to police activity in the area, the fatal shooting of a store employee crossed a line that felt especially troubling.
Retail Crime, Worker Safety, and Ongoing Concerns
The killing of Scott Kennedy has also sparked broader discussion about the dangers faced by convenience store employees and small business workers. Local business owners say theft, confrontations, and the potential for violence are constant considerations in their day-to-day operations. Raj Shihota, a local Chevron owner, said incidents like the shooting underscore the unpredictability of retail work. He explained that convenience stores must always be prepared for the unknown, particularly late at night.
Shihota said many stores invest heavily in surveillance systems and train employees to remain alert at all times. According to Shihota, employee training often focuses on de-escalation techniques, encouraging workers to avoid physical confrontations and prioritize their own safety. However, he acknowledged that such strategies do not eliminate risk, especially when suspects are armed. Hiring on-site security, he said, is often not financially feasible for smaller businesses.
Shihota noted that larger chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, or QT may have more resources to invest in security measures, but even for them, constant security coverage can be costly. For independent or small business owners, the expense can be prohibitive, leaving employees to rely on training, cameras, and quick access to law enforcement.
Law enforcement officials have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed against McKale as the investigation continues. Prosecutors are expected to rely on surveillance footage, witness statements, and McKale’s own admissions as the case moves forward. Court proceedings will ultimately determine how the claims of self-defense raised by McKale are evaluated against the evidence gathered by police.
As Tucson continues to grapple with issues of retail theft and violent crime, Kennedy’s death has become a focal point for conversations about public safety, employee protection, and the responsibilities placed on workers who are often on the front lines of such incidents. For those who knew him, however, the case remains less about policy debates and more about the loss of a man they described as kind, hardworking, and dedicated to his job.