'Kind, Gentle' Grocer 'Mr. Norman' Was Working in His Delaware Market When 2 Robbers Killed Him. They've Yet to Be Caught.

The grocery store owner known as “Mr. Norman” was manning the cash register in his Wilmington, Delaware, market when two people entered.

They left when he was dead.

Well over a decade later, police have yet to make an arrest in the cold case.

On Aug. 9, 2011, Norman Alhout was at Johnny’s Food Market on Maryland Avenue, which he owned, according to the Newark Post. Around 6:50 p.m., two suspects entered the store.

At least one was armed with a gun and they demanded money, according to the Post. They confronted Alhout, 56, and a struggle ensued. Alhout was shot in the head and the suspects fled the scene.

Police described the suspects as Black men who were dressed in dark clothing, including hooded sweatshirts pulled over their heads, according to the Post.

Now, 13 years after the killing, police have still not made any arrests but detectives continue to hope to solve the cold case. Anyone with information is urged to contact Wilmington police at (302) 576-3937.

Shortly after the killing, patrons told WHYY that Alhout was known as “Mr. Norman” to many of his customers. He owned the store for 10 years and welcomed children into the market. He never complained if a baby knocked something off the shelves.

“He was a kind, gentle person, just a family man,” said Shawna Askew, according to WHYY. “If you didn’t have enough money for your food, and you had just enough to get something and wanted something else he would tell you ‘don’t worry about it’ and give you credit.

“He was a caring person giving back to his community," Askew continued, adding, " It’s senseless he had to go this way.”