COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A Dollar General store manager is dead after police said she was shot at the front counter of a store on Victory Drive on Tuesday.

Authorities identified the victim as 44-year-old Alexis Hill, a mother of three and the store’s manager.

“We are deeply saddened over the tragic loss of our Columbus store manager. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with our employee’s family and friends during this difficult time. The store is closed until further notice, and grief counselors will be available for area employees.  We are cooperating with local authorities investigating this crime and respectfully ask for any future media inquiries to be directed to law enforcement.

Hill’s brother, Johnathan Hill, described her as a caring person.

“She can’t be replaced. It’s a loss that I’m going to have to deal with, and the family is going to have to deal with. We can’t replace her. A part of us is just going to be gone until we reunite with her in heaven,” Johnathan Hill said.

FAMILY MEMBERS ON ALEXIS HILL

33-year-old Jerome Willis, identified by police as a suspect in Hill’s killing, was spotted near Baker Plaza Drive about three hours after the shooting. A report from police states officers gave Willis commands, but he did not comply. Police said officers released a K-9, and Willis pulled a gun before shooting the dog and an officer. Officers returned fire, and Willis was killed at the scene, police said.

Willis’ mother, Bernice Hartman, said she offered condolences to Hill’s family but said she was not convinced her son killed Hill.

“I haven’t been convinced yet that my son killed her. When they give me evidence showing that he killed her, I’ll be satisfied. I think they randomly picked him walking down the street. But Jerome did have some mental health issues. That’s no excuse, but that’s probably why he got paranoid when police got behind him,” Hartman said.

Court records show Willis had arrests dating back to 2011 on charges including robbery, aggravated assault and terroristic threats.

Johnathan Hill urged people not to target Willis’ family. “The Bible says vengeance is mine, and I will repay, says the Lord. I believe God used the Columbus Police Department as vengeance for us. I just want to say to anyone who may know the assailant’s family — just leave his family alone,” he said.

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