Rock Hill, S.C. — A somber gathering is scheduled this Friday in Rock Hill, where community members will mourn the loss of Emad Saadalla, a local man fatally shot at a smoke shop during a violent encounter that also left his wife critically wounded. The 37-year-old was shopping with his wife, Leana Saadalla, when an assailant opened fire inside Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery on the evening of December 4.
The funeral service for Saadalla is set to take place at the St. Mary and St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church of the Carolinas in Fort Mill, with attendees expected to include family, friends, and residents touched by the tragedy. Following the service, Saadalla will be laid to rest at York Memorial Park in Charlotte.
The attack, described by authorities as a targeted shooting, also claimed the life of Celcei Johnson, a shop employee, and left a fourth individual narrowly escaping through a rear exit. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Zachary Elias, was reportedly under the influence of a psychedelic substance and made incoherent statements during the incident. Prior to the shooting, according to police, Elias had consumed the substance, which was purchased at the same shop earlier that day.
On the fateful night, authorities arrived at the scene around 10 p.m., soon after the shooting occurred. They pursued Elias as he fled in a Dodge pickup truck. The chase ended when he crashed his vehicle and was confronted by officers near Catawba River. Despite an officer firing and missing, Elias was subsequently subdued with a taser before being taken into custody.
Elias faces charges including two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, for which he was denied bond during a court hearing on December 5. During this hearing, heart-wrenching statements were delivered on behalf of the victims’ families, underscoring the profound loss and ongoing anguish caused by the events.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by a family friend to support the Saadalla family. Leana Saadalla, a mother of six, was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds from the incident, requiring several surgeries. Among her injuries, she faced the potential loss of part of her arm. As of last reports, she was out of the hospital but facing additional surgeries.
The tragic events have left the community reeling and sparked discussions about safety and security measures in local businesses. Friday’s funeral will provide an opportunity for communal mourning and reflection on the senseless violence that tore through their community. The Saadalla family, described by Emad’s mother, Susan Lasonde, as devoted parents, are now navigating the immense challenge of moving forward in the absence of a beloved father and husband.