Saturday, May 25, 2013

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R&R Garage Owner Mourns the Loss of Employee
Michael Curry was shot and killed on Wednesday
By Kate McPherson
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ANCHORAGE – Police said 43-year-old Michael Curry was shot and killed on Wednesday evening during an attempted robbery.

The owner of R and R Garage can't quite understand why anyone would want to murder his friend and employee.

“He wants to do the best for the business,” said distraught owner Pat Riffle. “He was a very honest individual. He tried to treat customers with great respect."

Riffle was at home during the incident, but said he was on the phone with Curry when the gunman walked into the reception area of the garage.

“And the conversation just cut off everything just went, and I tried to call him back and I couldn't get a hold of him,” said Riffle.

Not able to get Curry back on the phone and feeling something was wrong, Riffle made his way down to the garage.

When he arrived Curry was already dead.

"I feel he was probably trying to do what the person wanted him to do. He was probably trying to open the safe,” said Riffle.

Police said a second employee, 23-year-old Alfredo Esteban, or Freddie as he's known to friends, was also shot before the suspect ran out the back door.

"We believe he acted alone,” said APD spokesperson Anita Shell.

The suspect is described as a white male, with a thin build, six feet tall and 180 pounds.

According to APD, a witness reported the gunman ran from the scene wearing a black beanie, a white shirt, blue jeans and white shoes. He could have possibly had a backpack, as well.

If you have any information about the shooting or suspect you’re urged to call Crime Stoppers at 561-7876.