Community mourns loss of local store owner
A beloved East Point beauty product owner has died after an attempted robbery ended with gunshots. The woman’s family, clients and the police chief say she was extremely well-liked within the community.
EAST POINT, Georgia. – Police have released the image of a man who investigators say shot and killed an East Point beauty salon owner Tuesday during an attempted robbery.
It happened at Beauty World Beauty Supply located in Washington Plaza located in the 3100 block of Washington Road near Harris Drive.
Police say officers who arrived at the scene found 69-year-old Hyun Chan Cha, known as Rosa, with a gunshot wound. She was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where she later died.
“This young lady has been here over 30 years and is a staple in our community. They provide an important service to the community. They love her and we love her,” East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan said.
East Point Police released this image of a suspect in a violent robbery where a woman was shot at a beauty salon on Washington Road on November 15, 2022. (East Point Police Department)
Surveillance video shows a man wearing a slide with a blue hoodie with double white stripes on the arms, a black mask, dark pants, with what appears to be a gray belt, and reddish shoes.
“We are going to hunt this person down. I can assure you of that,” Chief Buchanan said.
His family tells FOX 5 they are in disbelief. They say that he had many followers in the community. In a statement, his family wrote:
“Our hearts are heavy with a mixture of grief, confusion, and gratitude. Gratitude at seeing all the flowers and notes left in our mother’s shop, gratitude for those who also loved the wonderful woman whose business had been in this community for over 30 years, she had considered this place a second home, surrounded by a second family, where she loved working with her clients to make them feel like a better version of themselves, we were so confused by the violence that it was not for what happens, for a life that did not have to be taken. And pain for the senselessness of it all, because we are all poorer for having lost a kind soul whose warm smile made life better.”
Hyun Chan Cha (Courtesy of family)
A blanket now covers the glass door preventing people from seeing inside the store, which was left in ruins during the violent encounter.
Family and friends began to leave flowers, cards, and candles outside to honor the beloved owner.
“I just want everyone to know that she was a human being and she didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve it. She would have given anyone anything,” said a woman who passed by Tuesday night.
Residents say they cannot believe that this senseless and unnecessary violence happened in broad daylight.
“I like shopping in my neighborhood, but I’m starting to feel very uncomfortable in my neighborhood. This is not right. This is not right,” said one customer.
East Point Police investigate a violent robbery in which a woman was shot at a beauty salon on Washington Road on November 15, 2022. (FOX 5)
Investigators hope someone will recognize the man and call the police. Detectives say they already have some leads, but are hoping something will open up the case fully. Anyone with more information about the case can call the East Point Police Department at 404-761-2177.
Source: news.google.com