MORE ON SUSPECT IN THE CASHIER'S KILLING
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - The murder of a gas station clerk and mother of three became the city of Battle Creek's latest victim of violence.
Battle Creek Police said 27-year-old Nicole Gates was killed early Wednesday morning.
The homicide was reported at about 3:30 a.m. at the Citgo gas station along M-89 at West Michigan and Hussey Avenues, just west of downtown Battle Creek.
Investigators told FOX 17 News they arrested Shawn Pike, 30. A second person was detained, said police. Pike has a lengthy criminal record, according to Michigan State Police records.
- Friends of Gates told FOX 17's Jessica McMaster that Gates said she was frightened in the hours leading up to the murder. They say she was taunted by the suspect and three others in a vehicle outside of the gas station Tuesday night.
- Friends also said the victim and the suspect saw each other Saturday evening.
- Family members said Gates was stabbed to death inside the gas station.
- Investigators said the suspect stole beer, cigarettes and lottery tickets.
On Facebook, tributes and condolences from friends started appearing as word spread that their loved one was killed at the Citgo station on M-89 in the Level Park neighborhood.
Gates' Facebook page states she was a new cashier at the gas station, who started working there July 3rd. It states she is a resident of Hastings.
