State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Reginald Reynard Roberts Jr was convicted after jury trial of Murder In The First Degree and Robbery with discharge of a Firearm.  The crimes were committed on 05/14/2021 and investigated by the Arcadia Police Department.  The trial commenced at the Desoto County Courthouse on September 15th and a verdict was rendered on September 22, 2026.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison for each charge.

The minimum mandatory sentence is life in prison for each charge.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 6th.

The crime occurred at the Fiesta Food Mart and was captured on the store’s video surveillance system. The defendant entered the store and shot and killed the owner, Mr. S.M. Saleh Ahmed, without warning, then proceeded behind the counter to take money out of the open safe. The defendant left his thumbprint on a box that was inside the safe and was identified through forensic examination, and by circumstantial evidence by other witnesses.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Will Moran commented,

“The crime scene integrity and thorough investigation by the Arcadia Police Department led to the arrest and successful prosecution of the Defendant. In this case, FDLE and the Police worked hand in hand to bring this killer to justice. Our office hopes the verdict finally brings some closure to the family. This senseless and shocking murder of a much loved member of our community was a tragedy to all who knew him.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Will Moran in the DeSoto County office at 863-993-4881.