Eric Whitcomb, a 50-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, California, tragically lost his life on June 14, 2017. Whitcomb was working as a clerk at a Circle K convenience store on Lakeshore Drive when he was fatally shot during an attempted robbery. The incident occurred early in the morning, around 5:20 a.m., when James Curtis Coon entered the store with the intention of committing a robbery.
Coon, who had previously worked at the store, was familiar with its layout and operations.
On the day of the incident, Coon spent approximately 20 minutes inside the store, pretending to shop while waiting for an opportunity to execute his plan. When he approached the counter with a handful of items, he pretended to search for money in his wallet. Whitcomb, sensing something was amiss, attempted to take photos or video of Coon and his vehicle. This action prompted Coon to pull out a .357 Magnum revolver and open fire. Whitcomb was struck by two rounds and collapsed onto the floor. Despite being severely injured, Whitcomb continued to move, prompting Coon to fire additional shots, ultimately killing him.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department quickly identified Coon as a person of interest and apprehended him at his residence, located less than a mile from the crime scene. Coon was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and burglary. During the trial, it was revealed that Coon had planned the robbery due to financial difficulties and had intended to kill the lone clerk to avoid any interference. However, the presence of a second clerk and several customers altered his plan.
In February 2019, a Murrieta jury convicted Coon of all charges, including a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a robbery. The court sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case highlighted the senseless nature of the crime and the devastating impact it had on Whitcomb's family, friends, and the local community. Whitcomb was remembered as a dedicated employee with a heart of gold, who had worked at the Circle K for 12 years. His tragic death underscored the dangers faced by convenience store workers and the importance of community vigilance in preventing such crimes.
