GREENSBORO, N.C. — A jury convicted a man who shot and killed a Greensboro gas station clerk nearly three years ago.
Avion Bell was convicted of felony murder, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of a firearm by a felon.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Chris Parrish said Bell will serve the rest of his life in prison. He will not be eligible for parole.
Timeline
Bell shot and killed 72-year-old Patricia Grant at the Speedway gas station on Battleground Avenue.
A witness, who prosecutors said is a regular customer at that gas station, was in the bathroom and heard the entire incident.
Witnesses and surveillance video led officers to Bell's mom's house on Martha's Place. Police said Bell's mom was confrontational with them, denying Bell lived there.
Police obtained a search warrant and found a handgun in the home. Officials said the gun was confirmed to be the murder weapon.
Police also found a stolen cell phone. Investigators said there were social media videos of Bell in the same distinctive green winter coat he wore when he allegedly murdered Grant.
Greensboro police said Bell and his brother have known gang associations. Officers are familiar with the pair due to who they hang around.
Bell has a criminal record dating back to 2019. That year, he was convicted of a string of robberies and assaulting a school employee.
Prosecutors gave Bell a plea deal that reduced his previous violent crimes to lesser charges, allowing him to walk free due to the lack of evidence before he was accused of killing 72-year-old Patricia Grant.
Friends who knew Grant said she was a very nice lady who was always willing to help people.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.