Suspect in corner store murder pleads not guilty as victim's family demands justice

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — The man accused of murder for the death of a man shot inside a Rochester corner store over the weekend faced a judge Tuesday.

Tony Brown, 42, is accused of fatally shooting Ali Saleh, 30, Sunday at Sana's Food Market on Clifford Avenue.

Dozens of Saleh's family and friends attended Brown's arraignment Tuesday.

"It’s a big loss for a family," said family member Khaled Shaibi. "It’s impossible. I can still not imagine what happened."

Investigators believe the killing was in retaliation for an altercation at the store several days earlier involving an associate of Saleh.

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Shaibi said Saleh was not involved in the altercation and noted both incidents were captured on camera.

"You don’t need more evidence than that," Shaibi said. "It’s very clear."

Assistant District Attorney Greg Clark said Brown, who pleaded not guilty and is behind held without bail, has no prior criminal history. The defense did not comment after Tuesday's court proceedings. Brown is scheduled to return to court Friday, but the Clark said he expects grand jury action before then.

"My understanding is (Saleh) had a young child," Clark said. "He just came back from a long trip in the Middle East. It’s terrible, terrible, horrible tragedy."

Saleh's family said the Yemen native and his wife had a daughter after eight years of trying. She is now 3 years old.

Community members have placed balloons and candles outside the store to honor their fallen friend.

"The kid gave back to the young, the old, whenever he helped out to the community," said Hesham Shaibi, a family member of Saleh. "You could also see the reflection on that when you go back to the store and see people standing there from the community for him."

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