Store owner claims recent robberies connected

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A store owner claims the men who robbed a convenience store and killed a clerk in the process also robbed his store.

The owner, identified only as Ray, says he was pistol whipped by a group of men during a robbery at his store on Saturday, May 31.

"They said 'give me your money,'" Ray said.

The robbers took his phone, wallet, and cash.

"I have three stitches," said Ray. "I can't remember anything. When I see the video, I don't know what happened."

The next night on June 1, a group of men showed up in a black pickup and robbed the Phillips 66 on the Eastex Freeway. During that robbery, Satish Patel was shot and killed.

Ray believes its the same group of people. He says there are a number of coincidences connecting those ruthless killers to the guys in his store.

"Looks like the same guys that killed mister Patel," Ray said.

In each crime, there were four people involved. The men have a similar appearance and stature, and were seen in a black pickup truck that police have now recovered.

Ray says he's now counting on bullet proof glass, cameras, and panic buttons to keep his employees safe, and alive.

HPD Homicide investigators are now looking into this possible connection.

If you recognize the men in either surveillance video, you're urged to call crime stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.