Neighbors gather for vigil honoring wounded clerk

By Dave Thompson

Published: May 1, 2008

The work of a convenience store clerk can be dangerous, and oftentimes under appreciated.

But Abderrahin Elfilali, the clerk shot during April 24’s robbery at the Citgo station at 3618 Campbell Ave, was certainly beloved by his customers.

At 8 p.m. Thursday, more than a hundred area residents conducted a candlelight vigil at the store, offering prayers and wishes for a swift recovery.

“Poppi,” as he was known to many of his patrons, is in critical but stable condition at Lynchburg General Hospital, a hospital spokesperson said Thursday.

“He’s everybody’s friend, you know,” Ed Phillips said.

Phillips said one of Elfilali’s trademarks was his courteous nature to everyone, regardless of race or age.

“I don’t care if you’re white, black, whatever, Mexican, green,” Phillips said, “he was very respectful.”

Royal Jones said a visit to the store always helped ease her stress.

“I would make excuses to come in here just to get a smile,” she said.

“I’m saddened by this whole thing, just because of the way it affected this entire community.”

Jones set up a video camera, planning to sell copies of the vigil to anyone interested. The proceeds, she said, would help Elfilali’s family in any way they needed it.

Phillips gathered up some shoeboxes, passing them around the crowd for donations, also to go to Elfilali and his family.

Jamie Burton, 18, said she decided to organize the vigil the morning after Elfilali was shot.

“He always did for us, and now it’s our turn to pay respect and do for him,” Burton said. “He was good to a lot of people.”

During the 30-minute ceremony, friends and acquaintances took turns in front of Jones’ camera, thanking Elfilali for his generosity or sharing fond memories. Another friend of Elfilali’s, who went only by the name Ronnie, said he’d known Elfilali since he came to the store about three years ago.

“He was one of the best people you ever would meet. There’s not a person here that he hasn’t helped one way or another.”

Ronnie said he left the store about five or 10 minutes before the shooting happened. He didn’t know about it until Saturday morning.

“First I was angry, then I was sad. The more I think about it the madder I get,” he said. “He sure didn’t deserve what he got.”

Six suspects have been arrested and charged in the incident, five of them juveniles.

The Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has filed paperwork notifying defense attorneys of plans to charge the juveniles as adults.

Despite Elfilali’s still-severe state, his friends weren’t willing to give up hope.

When someone stepped up in front of the camera and mentioned that Elfilali “was a great person,” cries of “He still is!” rang out.

The vigil closed with cries of Elfilali’s often-used phrase, “Dat’s Wassup!”

Jessica Phillips cries while Linette Smith sings a song in honor of Abderrahin Elfilali who was shot last week during a robbery at the Citgo station where he worked. Friends gathered at the station for a candlelight vigil Thursday evening. JILL NANCE/THE NEWS & ADVANCE