A Detroit gas station clerk has been sentenced to 20 to 50 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a customer over a dispute involving beef jerky.

The incident occurred last year when 42-year-old Marcus Williams, working the night shift at a Mobil station on the city’s east side, got into an argument with 28-year-old customer DeShawn Price. According to surveillance footage and witness statements, the disagreement began when Price attempted to take a package of beef jerky without paying. Williams confronted him, leading to a heated exchange that quickly escalated.

Prosecutors say Williams pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Price in the chest. Price was pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the scene. Williams fled but was arrested a short time later after witnesses identified him.

During the sentencing hearing, Williams expressed remorse, stating he “panicked” and “didn’t mean for it to go that far.” However, the judge described the shooting as “completely unjustified,” noting that Williams had a previous conviction for aggravated ᴀssault.

Price’s family delivered emotional victim impact statements, describing him as a father of two who was trying to turn his life around. His mother told the court, “A bag of beef jerky cost my son his life. That’s all it took.”

The case has sparked conversations about gun violence in convenience stores and the dangers faced by retail workers in high-crime areas. Many in Detroit’s service industry have expressed frustration over increasing hostility from customers and the lack of adequate protection for employees.

Williams will be eligible for parole after serving the minimum 20 years. The judge ordered him to have no contact with the victim’s family.

This sentencing brings a measure of closure to Price’s loved ones, though they say nothing can truly replace the son, father, and brother they lost over something so trivial.