A Walmart employee was shot, killed by an accused shoplifter, authorities say

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT/Gray News ) – A Walmart employee in southeastern North Carolina was shot and killed after confronting a man accused of shoplifting Saturday night.

According to New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office officials, several employees were trying to stop Dean Michael Newman, 35, from shoplifting when an argument broke out.

Newman pulled out a gun and fired a shot that struck employee Mark Thomas Paz.

Paz was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 6 p.m

“It’s not fair that he’s gone,” said Susie Burket, one of his closest friends. “He was at work. He worked at Walmart, you would think your job is a safe place, but how do we know it won’t happen again?”

Paz’s friends want him to be remembered for who he was and not just as the victim of a senseless act of gun violence. They said he was a true gentleman and friend.

“He was a friend to everyone, no matter who you were or what you did. He was your friend. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him for one,” Burket said.

Walmart released the following statement in response to the shooting:

“We are devastated by what has happened to Mark. Such violence is unacceptable. We focus on supporting our associates and will provide on-site advisory services. The store is currently closed and we continue to assist the authorities in their investigation.”

The Walmart store reopened to the public at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Newman was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Conformable NC Department of Adult Corrections Records show Newman is listed as a habitual offender, meaning he has been convicted of three or more felonies. These convictions date back to 2008.