LEESBURG, FL – The quiet routine of an evening shift turned into tragedy for Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, a beloved father of five, when he was killed at the small store he ran just outside Orlando. On May 30, 2024, Shihadeh was at work at the M & M Food Mart in Leesburg, his wife on the other end of a video call, when violence shattered their connection forever.
Authorities say Shihadeh’s final moments were marked by confusion and fear, as he pleaded with an armed robber during the attack. His wife, Monique, remained helplessly on FaceTime, listening and watching in horror as her husband’s life was taken. After hearing Shihadeh’s desperate words—an attempt to defuse the assailant—she said she saw a blurred figure move across the phone screen, followed by gunshots and her screams through the device.
Prosecutors detailed that Alex Lopez, 26, entered the store that evening seeking money and a vape, ultimately stealing less than $100 before fleeing. He left Shihadeh mortally wounded on the floor as Monique frantically sought answers, her voice still coming through the phone long after the violence ended.
A customer entering the store soon after found the distressing scene: Monique’s anguished cries coming from the phone and Shihadeh, gravely injured, lying behind the counter. The customer quickly called 911, prompting an urgent response from emergency services, who found Shihadeh with gunshot wounds to his abdomen and head. He was airlifted to a hospital but could not be saved.
Shihadeh’s absence reverberated beyond his family to the broader Leesburg community, where he was known for his friendly demeanor and dedication to his customers. The sense of loss intensified as members of the community recalled his constant smile and willingness to help others, highlighting how his death left a deep void.
Law enforcement launched a search for the suspect, releasing surveillance images that prompted numerous tips from the public. Among those who provided leads was a relative of Lopez, helping police to eventually track him to a hotel in Kissimmee after several weeks on the run.
During the trial, the courtroom heard firsthand about the impact to the Shihadeh family. Monique described the pain of witnessing her husband’s murder live, with the trauma of that night forever etched into her memory. The jury also learned of the grief that now shadows their five children and the extended family, forever changed by the senseless loss.
Following deliberations, Lopez was convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and other related charges. He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole, a decision authorities hope brings some measure of justice to Shihadeh’s family.
State officials commented that the amount stolen during the robbery was a paltry sum compared to the life that was lost. The hope is that the outcome of the trial provides comfort to those mourning Ray Shihadeh, even as they acknowledge that no verdict can truly compensate for the heartbreak endured.