Plea in 79-year-old clerk's murder; Prosecutors reveal name of alleged trigger man

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The story stunned our community: A 79-year-old liquor store clerk working his final shift before retirement was shot and killed during a robbery.

On Tuesday, one of the men responsible for the crime took a plea deal, receiving a 40-year prison sentence. Also, prosecutors revealed for the first time the name of the man they say actually fired the fatal shot.

“We’ll never bring our father back, especially during the holidays..." said Soheila Marchal, a daughter of the victim, stopping mid-sentence to wipe away tears, following the plea hearing in a West Palm Beach courtroom.

Ali Arezoumandifar lost his life just before Thanksgiving 2015, while working at the Liquor Market, the Boynton Beach store he once owned. He had continued to put in time there, helping the new owner.

“My dad didn’t deserve to die, he was such a decent man,” said the victim's son, Alex Arezoumandifar.

Just more than a year after the killing, police arrested Eric Colbert. He confessed to picking out the store to rob, and to firing at, but intentionally missing, the clerk.

Colbert said it was his accomplice who killed Arezoumandifar.

Under Colbert’s plea deal, he's required to testify against his co-defendant, in order to keep the 40-year sentence. Otherwise, the judge could sentence him to life.

During Tuesday's hearing, prosecutor Teri Skiles identified the trigger man as Jonathan Canning. He has not been arrested.

Skiles also said there was a get-away driver, but he has passed away.

Marchal and the younger Arezoumandifar addressed the judge. He became emotional while reading a letter from another sister who told how Ali helped raise her autistic son.

Colbert’s attorney read an apology from his client. Colbert then himself briefly addressed the court, saying after hearing from the family, he was at a loss for words to express his sorrow.

Marchal and Arezoumandifar said they appreciated Colbert's apology and hoped it was sincere.

"It was a hard day, but at least we're getting closer," said Marchal. "It's not an end, but it really helps us to have a little bit of closure."

As for the other alleged culprit, Jonathan Canning, just named by prosecutors, Marchal said she hopes for his arrest.

"Then justice will be served," said Marchal. "Then I can really go on with my life.”

“I look forward to that day,” agreed Arezoumandifar.

“The loss will never be replaced,” though, emphasized Marchal.

“We were hoping that justice would be served,” said Arezoumandifar. “At least my dad’s soul will be happy in heaven.”