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Family Mourns Victim Of Shooting At Davenport Citgo

News Channel 8 photo by JENNIFER LEIGH

Dozens of mourners made their way to Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland to honor Jashavantal K. Patel

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By DANIELA VELÁZQUEZ | TBO.com

Published: June 26, 2008

Jigar Patel wants the man who killed his uncle to feel some of the pain he and his family are suffering.

"I want you to get the same thing that you have done. How would you feel if someone came and killed your dad?"

Dozens of mourners made their way to Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland today to honor his uncle, Jashavantal K. Patel, who was killed in what authorities are calling a failed robbery at a Davenport Citgo on June 20.

Authorities are looking for a man seen on surveillance video.

Jigar Patel said his uncle often would let people who couldn't afford food pay at the end of the week when they got their checks.

"He used to help out everybody," he said.

About 9:30 a.m. Friday, a man with a gun entered the store at 404 U.S. 17-92 and shot Patel, 54, of Winter Haven. He then fled, police said.

Investigators say robbery was the motive, but the masked bandit didn't get any money.

"We're just praying he gets caught as soon as possible," Jigar Patel said. He don't need to be out there on the loose."

Detectives say that the shooter is black, about 6 feet tall and was wearing a light-colored hoodie-type shirt, knee-length jean shorts and black sneakers. He covered his face with a blue bandanna.

Authorities are particularly interested in talking to the owner of a dark-colored (possibly maroon) sedan seen going south on North Suwannee Avenue shortly after the shooting. Deputies think the driver might have seen the shooter.

Davenport police are working with the Polk County Sheriff's Office on the investigation.

There is a $5,000 reward. Anyone with information about the killing should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.

Information from The Tampa Tribune and News Channel 8 contributed to this report.

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