Clerk who shot suspected shoplifter charged with murder


A convenience store clerk who shot and killed a suspected shoplifter in Spanaway Friday night has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Office said Friday the clerk claimed the shooting was self-defense, but detectives say video shows otherwise.

Min Kim, 30, of Auburn, was booked into Pierce County Jail.

According to Pierce County Detective Ed Troyer, the suspected shoplifter was shot twice in the back as he tried to leave the store. The county medical examiner identified the man killed as Jakeel Mason, 21, of Tacoma.

Last month, the clerk told KIRO his wife was shot by a robber at the same Pacific Quick Stop in Spanaway.