Long Island gas station clerk fatally shot at Jericho BP

JERICHO (WABC) -- Police in Nassau County are trying to figure out who shot a well-known gas station clerk who was found murdered behind the counter Wednesday night.

According to detectives, a man entered a BP Gas Station at 39 Jericho Turnpike around 9 p.m. and discovered the attendant lying on the floor.

The victim, 56-year-old Hany Awad, of Levittown had suffered a gunshot wound to the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident is upsetting to neighboring merchants, particularly those who work late at night and knew the victim.

"You hope that they can solve this crime, because you get a little nervous," store owner Michael Cvinar said. "I work here late at night, and if I'm coming out at 8, 9 at night, what's going on?"

The motive of the homicide is still under investigation.

"They're just really nice people," motel manager Will Alaima said. "We all take our personal vehicles over there, and the company vehicles also. Always a kind word, really nice people. Just really a shame."

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.