SOUTH EL MONTE, CA – A minor theft at a discount store in South El Monte spiraled into a deadly confrontation, leaving a local business owner dead and authorities searching for three suspects.
Kourosh Yaghoubi, 63, lost his life after a shoplifter assaulted him during a theft of surgical masks. His brother, Jamshid Yaghoubi, recounted how the thief selected the masks and attempted to leave without paying, prompting the brothers to intervene.
The altercation turned violent when the suspect struck Kourosh, causing him to fall. As the suspect and two accomplices fled in a light blue Honda, they ran over Kourosh, fatally injuring him. Witnesses described the suspects as Latino, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is appealing for information.
This tragedy is compounded by a similar incident in 2021, when another Yaghoubi brother was killed in an unrelated attack. The family, already grappling with previous loss, is now mourning Kourosh’s death.
The small business has been a frequent target for shoplifters, adding strain to an already challenging environment. Jamshid expressed the difficulty of operating under such circumstances and the profound impact of losing his brother.
The community is in shock over the escalation from theft to violence, highlighting the dangers faced by small business owners. As the investigation progresses, there is hope for justice and closure for the Yaghoubi family.
Support is pouring in from the local community, offering condolences and assistance to the grieving family. The search for the suspects continues, with authorities determined to resolve the case swiftly.