'Decided to shoot him … over and over': Off-duty security guard stands over teen who was returning a BB gun at sporting goods store and executes him – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Renton, Washington – An off-duty security guard has been convicted of second-degree murder after he shot and killed a 17-year-old boy outside a sporting goods store. The teen was simply returning a malfunctioning BB gun when the guard opened fire. Prosecutors said the guard acted on assumptions rather than facts, and jurors agreed after a trial that ended with a guilty verdict on Friday.
The Incident Unfolds
Aaron Brown Myers, 52, was waiting in his car for his son to finish a martial arts class when he noticed three teens approaching Big 5 Sporting Goods. He believed one of them carried a real Glock handgun and intended to rob the store. Myers, who works as a security guard, left his vehicle armed with his own Glock and confronted the group. The teens had come to return a BB gun that did not work properly. They told Myers repeatedly that the weapon was not real. One of the boys, 17-year-old Hazrat Ali Rohani, dropped the BB gun and raised his hands. When Rohani turned to walk away, Myers fired seven shots. Six of those rounds struck the teen in the back as he fell to his knees and then face down on the ground.
Prosecutors Present Their Case
King County Prosecutor Elaine Lee told the jury that Myers gave himself authority he did not have. She said he labeled the boys as criminals after one glance and ignored their clear statements that the gun was fake. The boys had no criminal intent and posed no threat once the BB gun was on the ground. Lee described how Myers continued shooting even after Rohani was on his knees and then lying on the pavement. The prosecution emphasized that the guard’s actions were based entirely on assumptions rather than any actual danger.
Defense Claims and Jury Decision
Myers’ attorney argued that the guard believed he needed to act to prevent a robbery. The defense noted that the BB gun looked realistic and that Myers wanted to stop violence before it started. Jurors rejected those arguments and found Myers guilty of second-degree murder and assault. The conviction carries a sentence range of just over 20 years to 28 years for the murder, plus an additional 10 years for firearm enhancements. Myers is scheduled to learn his exact prison term on July 21.
Key Details at a Glance
- Victim: 17-year-old Hazrat Ali Rohani, returning a BB gun
- Location: Outside Big 5 Sporting Goods in Renton, Washington
- Shots fired: Seven total, six to the victim’s back
- Conviction: Second-degree murder and assault
- Potential sentence: 30 to 38 years in prison
Myers now awaits sentencing that will determine how many years he spends behind bars for the shooting. The case highlights the consequences when assumptions override clear information in a public setting.
