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Popular Store Owner Murdered - 6 Arrested Save Email Print
Posted: 7:33 AM Nov 14, 2008
Last Updated: 12:46 PM Nov 14, 2008
Reporter: Ruth Sasser B-C-S-O
Email Address: news@wjhg.com

A | A | A

Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen announced the arrest of six individuals in connection to an attempted robbery and homicide at Sylvia’s Grocery at 18441 Hwy. 231 in Fountain.

Thursday night, November 13, 2008, the owner of Sylvia’s Grocery, 47-year-old Vishnukumar "Vish" Patel was found shot behind the store. BCSO deputies and investigators responded.

Patel was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the incident began as an attempted robbery in which Mr. Patel struggled, and as a result, was shot and killed.

Security video at the grocery store captured the image of a subject wearing a hooded sweatshirt coming out of the darkness, headed behind the store, and then reappearing, running away.

The man captured on camera matched the description of a subject that witnesses at the store at the time of the murder described to investigators.

Information developed during the investigation led investigators to Nicholas Tyrone Lee of Altha, Florida.

Lee was also a suspect in a recent burglary in Calhoun County in which several firearms had been stolen. Contact was made with Calhoun County Sheriff David Tatum who assisted in the investigation.
At about 2:30 a.m. BCSO and CCSO investigators went to a residence on Hwy 274 in Calhoun County and found Lee and Amy Beth Cucco.

Statements gathered during the investigation revealed that Cucco and Lee had stated prior to the murder that they intended to rob Patel. Upon questioning, Lee and Cucco admitted to their involvement in the murder.

They also revealed that Joshua Robert Sourbeck, also of Altha, had driven them to Sylvia’s Grocery where they had attempted to rob Patel, and then shot him after he struggled.

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Posted by: ano Location: marianna on Nov 25, 2008 at 11:13 AM
brandy you sure do have alot of bad to say and yes i know who you are and i really wish you would grow up and stop all this nonsense. but then again knowing you and your family, i would not expect any less from you.

Posted by: Brandy Location: Altha on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:53 PM
So if Nick has been in and out of trouble his whole life and you say he isnt a scumbag, dirt bag, or lowlife, then what would you call him? I live in Calhoun Co, andmyself, my husband, his sisters, brothers and his parents have jobs. He worked for a company for 11 yrs when they closed down a couple of years ago, and within weeks he had another job. You just have to want to work and not rely on handouts. And my back door is extra clean, always has been and always will be. We dont hang out with the "wrong crowd", if someone we are kin to or someone we meet falls on hard times and we help them a few times and they keep doing wrong, then they are on their own. If you dont make them stand on their own, they will never learn. Its called tough love. He has murdered someone. Do you not think that didnt upset alot of people. Ask the 400 that stood with me for Vish's memorial. You need to place the blame on the right people for upsetting you and your family, and that would be the murderers.

Posted by: Susan Location: Bristol on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:05 PM
First of all let me say that Nick is not a punk! I have known him all his life. He is my cousin and I will stand behind him, no matter what. He was raised correctly, also. He just got in with the wrong crowd. My heartfelt prayers go out to the family of the victim, but it also goes out to my aunt and other cousins because they, too, have to deal with this great loss just as the parents of the other 5 people involved in this crime. Just because they did these things does not mean that they were raised wrong. Nicholas was raised very well and my uncle is very devastated by this. My whole family is. You all need to stop with the snide and rude comments because all they are doing is upsetting my family and others.

Posted by: donna Location: bristol on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I don't usually make comments on the happenings around the area, but I strongly feel I need to in this case. First, I have known Nicholas all his life, I didn't know the others, and while Nick has been in and out of trouble most of his life, he IS NOT a scumbag, dirt bag, or a lowlife, and to anyone who lives in and around Calhoun County, they all know that jobs are very hard to get as my son, son-in-law, fiance, and daughter can all agree to. Second, his mother was never a meth head nor was his guardian whom nick has lived with since he was about 7 months old, and to actually have the gaul to say such a thing about his guardian is very cruel, demeaning and heartless, so to all those who do know any of these people, I think they should all sweep around their backdoors before they try sweeping around anybody else's door. I love Nicholas very much and am dearly shocked upon hearing what has happened. I didn't know Mr. Patel, and I am sincerely sorry about his death. Thank You

Posted by: anon Location: alford on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:08 AM
As much as I would like to give my name, I cannot. My heart goes out to the Patel Family, I am so sorry that a good man was destroyed. However, I feel more sorry for the parents of the people involved. True, they are kids, and kids make stupid decisions. When we bring children into the world we receive a gift from God. There are some that do not treat thesee innocents as gifts and allow them to raise themselves. Josh was not one of them. He was raised correctly. I have know the family for many years and have great respect for them and their values. Of course they would not abandon him. There is only one sin that the Lord does not forgive, the abandonment of a child. Your children are your children as long as you and they live. It is foolish to harass the families...they do not have any control over what these children did. Joshs granmother is elderly and not in the best of health. Why bother her? Mindy and her husband work and cause no trouble for anyone. Get a grip!

Posted by: Gomez Location: Fountain on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:07 PM
A lack of education, disrespect for others and no moral standards of any kind are but a few reasons these six "citizens" were involved in this tragedy. With the present state of the union as it is now, expect to see more of these senseless crimes. At the same time, expect the retaliation and absence of compassion to increase from the families of victims and the innocent by-stander. Tolerance for self-indulgence and blatant stupidity is waning fast within our communities. These individuals and their parents will hopefully reap what they apparently have happily sown over the years. I can truly say I feel no remorse for any of the six accused. You chose the life, now pay the price. Hopefully, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. To the Patel family, you have my deepest sympathies. To Vish, sir, you are a man among men. Bless you, my friend.

Posted by: Michelle Location: used to be Fountain on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:28 PM
I cant believe that such a horrible thing could happen to such a wonderful man. The people who did this will reap the consequences!!! Vish ALWAYS helped anyone in need! Always had a smile, My heart and prayers go out to Ms. Hanna and family...RIP Vish you will be missed.

Posted by: MINDYK Location: MARIANNA on Nov 18, 2008 at 12:00 PM
FIRST OFF YES I HAVE LOST MY CHILD, YOU KNOW ALL THIS HATE IS NOT HEALTHY FOR ANY OF US SO PLEASE KEPP YOUR NASTY COMMENTS OFF THE NET. AND ONCE AGAIN IF YOU DONT KNOW THE FACTS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AND I WILL TELL YOU THE FACTS.

Posted by: MINDYK Location: MARIANNA on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:37 AM
WELL HERE WE GO AGAIN, LETS SEE BRANDY OF ALTHA, WELL JOSH HAS BEEN IN TROUBLE 2 TIMES AND NO WE DID NOT BEG AND PLEAD TO GET HIM OUT OF TROUBLE.AND NO HE WAS NOT GIVEN A SLAP ON THE HAND, BUT I AM NOT GOING TO THROW ROCKS AND SAY MEAN THING TO YOU, BUT KEEP IN MIND I AM HIS MOTHER AND A MOTHERS BOND WITH HER CHILDREN IS SPECIAL. AND REGARDLESS HE IS MY SON AND I WILL SATND BEHIND HIM NO MATTER WHAT!! YOU NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR CHILDERN NO MATTER WHAT.AND NO I AM NOT TAKING UP FOR JOSHUA, YES WHAT JOSHUA DID WAS WRONG AND I KNOW HE WILL BE PUNISHED, BUT ONCE AGAIN I AM HIS MOM AND I WILL STAND BEHIND HIM 100 PERCENT.

Posted by: Sherry Location: Fountain on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:35 AM
First off, Mindy K You haven't lost a family member, you'll get to have visitation with him. Hanna will never get to see Vish again. And your son was as big of a part of it, and knew what was going on. He is an ACCESSORY to, you guessed it, MURDER. He deserves to be in there as well.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: fountain on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:55 PM
don't give bcco a pat on the back they were just trying to do there job and finnally got it wright. I became the first suspect in the case just because i was going 75mph south on 231 headed to work . At 12:45 my girlfriend called me scared to death and said there was someone beating on the door claiming they were sheriffs . So she called me and return i called bcco . When they said that they need to ask me questions about my truck . So i told them were they could find me at my place of bussiness. 30 seconds later 3 unmarked 2 marked and 3 springfield showed up at my work. where they finnally explained what was going on.I was speechless!!! they went on to tell me that a deputy had someone pulled over and seen me at a high rate of speed going south bound .Also managed to get my license plate # description of vehicle .In the dark in the rain with my tailgate down because of an 8 point laying on the tail gate. My point if you speed in Bay County you might become a murder suspect go figure

Posted by: Brandy Location: Altha on Nov 17, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Oh I think we have the facts straight. How many times has your son been in trouble? How many times has he had to go to court? He has made the wrong choice many of times before this and only got a slap on the hand and told not to do it again. Why dont you tell everyone how many times you and your mother have begged and pleaded him out of trouble? Whether he knew what he was taking them up there for or not, he knew what kind of people he hung out with. Mrs.Hainey is a very nice woman and should not be harrassed for this, but there is no need for you to still be taking up for him after this.

Posted by: mindyk Location: marianna on Nov 17, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I WOULD LIKE TO FIRST SAY MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE PATEL FAMILY. I AM JOSHUA SOURBECK'S MOTHER, FIRST OFF I AM NOT A CRACK HEAD NOR IS ANY ONE IN OUR FAMILY, JOSHUA WAS RAISED THE RIGHT WAY BUT MADE A WRONG CHOICE THAT NIGHT. YES HE IS GUILTY OF TAKING THEM AND BRINGING THEM BACK, BUT HE IS NOT A MURDER!!!! YES HE NEEDS TO BE PUNISHED FOR TAKING THEM BUT NOT FOR MURDER. AND YA KNOW THE ONE I FEEL FOR IS MY MOTHER, SHE IS THE ONE NOW WHO HAS DONE NOTHING AND IS GETTING THE HARRASMENT. SO YOU KNOW ALL THE HATEFULL COMMENTS AND HARRASING PHONE CALLS ARE UNCALLED FOR. WE ME HIS MOTHER AND HIS GRANDMOTHER HAVE DONE NOTHING. JOSHUA IS NOT A BAD KID! HE JUST GOT MESSED UP WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE. SO YA SEE THE PATEL'S ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS LOST SOMEONE. SO BEFORE ANY OF YOU ARE SO WUICK TO JUDGE YOU SHOULD FIND OUT THE FACTS FIRST.

Posted by: jimmy Location: springfield on Nov 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM
On thurs a call was sent out across Bay co.To help save an "ANGEL" and it was Done. Then 1 "ANGEL" went HOME. GOD BLESS the PATEL family and all who Love them.

Posted by: Heidi Location: Fountain on Nov 17, 2008 at 08:43 AM
I worked for Vish throughout my highschool years. I watched as people would come in and come up short at the register and Vish would smile at them and just say "I got it" We respected him so much, and couldnt ask for a better boss. I drive by there everyday and just think to myself, This is so surreal. Sylvia's will never be the same. And what those people took away from Fountain, can never be given back. And, for Amy Beth to do such a thing after Vish has helped her out so much, she honestly has no heart what so ever. Matter of fact she was in the store the day before, she ran out of gas across the street, Vish took a can of gas across to her, and then told her not to worry about it. How could you be so heartless? And you can bet, if I get a supeona in the mail, your as good as gone. Mrs. Hanna, my heart goes out to you. And Vish, you will be truely missed and in my heart.

Posted by: Billy Location: Springfield on Nov 16, 2008 at 06:58 PM
I really hate to hear of the loss of this decent mans life.Parents get to youre kids early and listen and check up on them before its too late and they do something stupid like this.To the suspects:You made a choice,now you have to live with that choice.You will never hold a good job nor be trusted by anyone anymore.Hope the druggie life is worth it!

Posted by: Gus Location: Fountain on Nov 16, 2008 at 06:38 PM
I knew Vish. He was my friend. I have no qualms whatsoever about hanging each of these six scumbags one at a time, or all together. Literally, a rope around each one's neck, and hanging until they give up their last breath. In fact, I wouldn't lose a moment of sleep watching all six of them swing from a tall tree with a short rope. Give me immunity, and I will happily execute each of the six. That's justice. Vigilante? You bet.

Posted by: Tony Location: Panama City on Nov 15, 2008 at 09:07 PM
The parents of those cowardly children were probably meth users that passed on the family tradition of being crappy parents and people.I Hope and pray that this isn't the start of a new trend.The youth of today has no respect for anything but what they see on TV. Rest In Peace Mr. Patel you will be missed!

Posted by: jhon Location: p.c on Nov 15, 2008 at 05:48 PM
now its really time to make a laws harder. cuz some people still not scared from law.make new law that make them scared.

Posted by: George on Nov 15, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I agree w/ Tina. Why did those pigs let them go after robbing a helpless person? They deserve punishment for being corrupt.

Posted by: julia Location: fountain on Nov 15, 2008 at 04:44 PM
when i heard vish got shot i couldnt belive it i stop every morning on my way to work and talk to vish i am still in shock over this he was a great guy very kind and giving would help out anyone even though he knew they wouldnt pay him back but he still did it he all ways asked me how work was going for me and my husband i will miss him very much my heart goes out to his wife and family may they find the strength to get through this

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 15, 2008 at 03:05 PM
My condolences to the Patel family. After reading about Mr. Patel, I can tell he was much loved and appreciated by all of the Fountain community as well as others who traveled 231. Such a great loss will be echoing for many months and years to come as there are truly few human beings who come up to a measure of worth such as Mr. Patel! As for the persons who were apprehended for committing this crime, may God have mercy on you because, as a mere mortal, I don't believe I am capable of that kind of grace!

Posted by: jay Location: panama city on Nov 15, 2008 at 01:04 PM
who ever did it dont let them come out this people. they belong to jail life time.

Posted by: Tina Location: Altha on Nov 15, 2008 at 11:23 AM
These punks live in my neighborhood. this is not their first crime. They are nothing but trouble and think they are above the law. I have no clue why the CCSO have let them get away with so much. They were just involved with breaking in an elderly womans house. Why were they still allowed to roam the streets? Had the CCSO been doing their job these criminals would have been behind bars. SHAME ON THE CCSO. GREAT JOB BCSO!!!!!

Posted by: Michael Location: PCB on Nov 15, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Good Job BCSO. You are not complete morons!!!

Posted by: Sherry Location: South Carolina on Nov 15, 2008 at 06:23 AM
I was greatly saddened when I learned about Vish. He always had a smile on his face and was always happy to see me when I would come back to Fountain to visit. The community will not be the same without him. R.I.P. Vish.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Steel City on Nov 14, 2008 at 11:20 PM
I am not sure how long ago it was, but when Vish lived in Alford and running the Dixie Dandy there, that was when I first met him. Maybe 7-8 years ago. He was a great guy. My family and I will surely miss him. I always tried to stop every now and then on my way to work in PC just to say hi. He always asked about my kids, and he loved to joke about when they were babies always wanting to buy the toys that he would put out, after I asked him to stop...I always ended up buying them, I think they knew what they were doing...:o) He was a little guy with a big heart. We will miss you Vish...our prayers are with your family.

Posted by: Emily Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Vish Patel was a great man, he loved to help people and he was always giveing! he will be miss by all in FOUNTAIN! (my prayers go out to his FAMILY and FRIENDS)

Posted by: Tonya Location: former fountain resident on Nov 14, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Vish was a friend he will be greatly missed by me and my family. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold that would do anything he could to help others.My prayers go out to his family and to the girls at the store. Vish, may you rest in peace, we love you and will miss you. I hope those cowards roit in hell slowly.

Posted by: Someone Location: Somewhere on Nov 14, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Why would anyone ever want to pick up a gun and kill someone? Is there like a high or something you get from seeing a person die? I am 16 years old and I even know that KILLING IS BAD! I hope all of you stupid, idiotic lowlifes realize that you are hurting people... EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFE! If you can live so can other people! Stop killing and we REALLY need gun control, you don't need a semi-automatic to hunt! That gun isn't even needed. We ALL deserve a life! And instead of killing other people, kill yourselves. Life is to live not to be frightened to go around your business with out worrying about people coming to kill you or hurt you! You people really need to go somewhere far away from SANE people. -I know who I am, you don't need to know, 16

Posted by: George Location: Lynn Haven on Nov 14, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Throw the killers in the electric chair!! God Bless Vish's family. Nobody deserves to die like that.

Posted by: dawn Location: lynn haven on Nov 14, 2008 at 06:25 PM
IN THIS TIME AND DAY WHEN U FIND SOMEONE LIKE VISH, WHO I DID KNOW, TO BE THE KIND OF MAN HE WAS, FOR 6 DIRTBAGS TO TAKE AWAY BECAUSE THEY ARE TO DAMN LAZY TO GET OUT AND WORK IS THE REASON THE DEATH PENALTY SHOULD HAPPEN AS THE CRIME IS COMMITED...NOW. THEY GET TO LIVE THE REST OF THERE MISERABLE TRASHY LIVES ALIVE WHILE VISHS FAMILY AND FREINDS ARE DOING WITHOUT A FANTASTIC PERSON...

Posted by: Miggity on Nov 14, 2008 at 06:13 PM
That's cold blooded murder. I hope those guys get what they deserve!

Posted by: Becca Location: Ohio on Nov 14, 2008 at 06:07 PM
I had the oppurtunity to meet Vish 2 years ago. He was such a nice man. Willing to help anyone he could. I am sending prayers for his family and for all who knew him.

Posted by: Leslie Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Vish was such a good man. He helped so many people in this area and this saddens me. We cant bring him back and he is going to be missed by everyone and I feel Fountain wont be the same anymore.....we loved him. God Bless his Family.

Posted by: Carol Location: Altha on Nov 14, 2008 at 05:52 PM
I knew Nick was trouble and forbid my daughter to hang with him. Thank Goodness she listened to me. I know he has been in trouble most of his teenage years. I hope he gets the punishment he so deserves this time and not a slap on the wrist. I did not know Mr. Patel but my heart goes out to his family and friends. God Bless you all. A thumbs up to the BCSO for a job well done.

Posted by: Lee Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 05:40 PM
I hope they all fry and then burn in Hell! RIP, Vish....

Posted by: Jillian Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 04:22 PM
It disgusts me that such a generous, kind hearted man has been taken this way. He had such an impact on all of us in Fountain. My eleven year old son cried after he heard His Vish had been killed. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers

Posted by: Jim Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 04:05 PM
I moved to the Fountain area two years ago and Vish was one of the first people I met. He was one of the friendlest people I have ever met. I don't know what would make a person do what these people have done. The police report says a camera caught the suspect coming out of the darkness . well thats because these people are nothing but cowards. Since I moved here on the average of once a week late at night someone likes to ride the back roads and shoot there guns, not knowing where there bullets are hitting. After this incident I will take it apon myself to get in the car and chase the cowards down myself so we can clean this town up. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. And Vish we will see you in heaven later.

Posted by: Anna Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I don't understand how someone can do such a horrible thing. Vish never turned anyone away if they needed help and now someone has taken a good honest caring person out of this world over something so trivial. That is just disgusting to me......is it that hard to go out and get a job to earn your own money?? I guess so.

Posted by: Brandy Location: Altha on Nov 14, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Vish was such a nice, kind man. It is so sad to hear that he was murdered by some punks in Calhoun Co. that should have already been put in jail. But thanks to our slow police dept. a great guy is gone. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family.

Posted by: Nicole Location: Panama City on Nov 14, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Josh Sourbeck is my step-brother and I am in total shock that he would participate in such a terrible crime, I am heartbroken about this. My sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Patel. I'm sure that he is regreting ever getting in that car and going up there. And I agree that they all need to be punished to the full extent for this terrible crime.

Posted by: pat Location: fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I was shocked to hear about Mr. Vish . He was a outstanding person. he was a great aspect to fountain .My husband{Alex} and I will miss him greatly. he was always nice and he trusted and helped everyone.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Vish was a great guy, a simple man I respected. One who worked diligently, and successfully toward the American dream. He wasn't born here, but he knew how to succeed. It was simple--he worked his heart out every day, seven days a week. I will miss him.

Posted by: Terrie Lynne Location: Quincy on Nov 14, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I cannot believe this has happened! I have known him since I was a little girl and I am now 30. The people that did this should be punished to highest extent. He was a good man who helped anyone that needed it and he always had a smile on his face. He was a very giving person and there is no reason why this should have been done! A good man is gone. May God bless his family and be with them during this difficult time.

Posted by: Sara Location: Blountstown on Nov 14, 2008 at 10:11 AM
This is so sad. That guy lives right down the road from my relative. Those kids hang around close to my relative's area. It's bad to say you never know someone truely until something dirty like this occurs. I'm glad I was never friends with any of them but I gave that guy Nick a ride to Altha because him and a buddy of my brother in law needed a ride. Now I don't know who to trust in this community. That could have been any of us that know him here. I'm sorry for the guy that passed, that was cruel and unfair. No one has a heart that can pull a trigger and kill an innacent person like that. That boy and both those kids deserve prison, they planned that and knew what they were doing. That is not the guys first robbery. He's been suspected in town here of breaking and entering they just never caught him at it. Justice will be served.

Posted by: David Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I jumped out of bed when I heard on the news this morning that Vishnu was shot and killed.He was a loving and caring person that would help anyone who needed it.I knew him since he and his wife Hanna took over the store about 5 years ago.He was a close friend too me and my whole family.THANK YOU Bay County Sheriff's for your great work on the arrest of the people that done this HANUS crime.Im still in shock from the news of this.My heart is breaking now for his wife.My prayers go out to Vishnu and Hanna and im wondering how she will be able to deal with this ordeal.My she please have the strength to go on.Vishnu we will miss you and never forget the great kind man you were here on earth.

Posted by: Jamie Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 09:24 AM
R.I.P. Vish. You will be missed dearly.

Posted by: Concerned citizen Location: Fountain on Nov 14, 2008 at 09:18 AM
This was a terrible incident. Maybe we can get a little more patrol out here. We need it before stuff happens. My heart goes out to Vish's wife Anna. These people were good to our community. I hope all the lowlife culprits fry bigtime.

Posted by: Rebecca Location: Panama City on Nov 14, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Kudos to the hard working men and women of the Sheriff's Department. This crime was solved quickly and other criminals should take notice!

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