MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced that a jury on Thursday had convicted a Memphis teen as indicted for the murder of a convenience store owner during a 2005 attempted robbery.

 

The jury found Nicholas Fletcher, 19, guilty of first degree murder, attempted especially aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault. Fletcher was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18 for the additional crimes. Just two weeks ago, a jury convicted co-defendant Lamario Hill, 19, for the same charges. Hill was also sentenced to life in prison.

 

The victim, Ali Alothmani, was shot and killed during an attempted robbery on August 23, 2005 at his store, the Linc Mini Mart located at 2638 Southern Avenue.

 

Both Fletcher and Hill were 17 years old at the time of the incident. At the request of the D.A.’s Office, a Juvenile Court referee transferred both defendants to Criminal Court to be prosecuted as adults.

 

It is the policy of the District Attorney’s Office to request that juveniles who are 16 or 17 years old be transferred to Criminal Court if they are charged with committing a violent crime. 

 

The charge of first degree murder is covered under the D.A.’s “No Deals” policy on violent crimes, which also applies to juveniles who are prosecuted as adults. Exceptions are made to policy for legal or ethical reasons.

 

Assistant District Attorneys Michelle Kimbril Parks and James Wax prosecuted this case.