KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — A snack company confirms the man killed at a Kernersville Food Lion Wednesday was one of their business partners who was working when the shooting happened.
Officers said the deadly shooting happened at the Food Lion on Union Cross Rd. just before 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Police say they found Marco Vargas Arellano, 40, of Burlington in the building with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
UTZ Brands confirmed Arellano was a business partner who was working when he was shot and killed.
The company released the following statement:
"The entire Utz Brands, Inc. family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and business partner, Marco Vargas. Marco was working for one of our Burlington, NC area independent operator business partners when he was subject to this violent act. We extend our deepest condolences to Marco's family and friends. It is impossible to make sense of this tragedy, and we will be providing both our business partners and Utz associates with full support during this difficult time."
Police arrested and charged Dillon Randolph Kiger, 38, of Kernersville with general murder. He had his first appearance at the Forsyth County courthouse Thursday.
He is being held at the Forsyth County Detention Center with no bond. Kiger's next court date is set for August 15.
Court documents show Kiger has a criminal history, which includes the following felony charges: breaking and entering, larceny, and property false pretense.
Food Lion released the following statement in response to the shooting, it reads in part:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at the Kernersville Food Lion and are thinking of those affected. We are providing resources to support our associates. As always, the safety and well-being of our customers, vendors and associates is a daily priority for Food Lion."
Following the incident Wednesday the grocery store closed, it re-opened Thursday morning.
Frequent shopper, Michael Hargrave said he was getting groceries Thursday morning when he learned of the shooting.
"My mom lives maybe a mile from here. So, I'm over here quite often and I've never heard anything like this in this area," Hargrave continued, " I just don't understand what's going on in this world, people have just like lost their mind. We need to come back to center, come back to God and be peaceful."
This is a developing story. Stay with us for more updates.
