Bonds Set, Details Released In Convenience Store Clerk Murder

February 22, 2019

The three suspects in the deadly robbery armed robbery of the Quickfill on Mobile Highway appeared in court Thursday where a judge set their bond. Meanwhile, more information has been released about the crime that has the community in mourning.

Govardhan Kotha, known as “Reddy”, was shot and killed at the QuickFill on Mobile Highway.

Bond for Keandra Martez Smith was set at $2.5 million for each of two counts. Crystal Elaine Clausel;’s bond was set at $100,000 Efidarius Gemeateus Bryant will be back in court after he gets a public defender, but until then he is being held without bond.

Smith and Bryant are charged with murder and armed robbery, and Clausell is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

A customer that entered the store Tuesday night called authorities because he did not see a clerk in the store and the register drawer was open. Deputies arrived to find that Kotha, 50, was  shot in the head and chest.

On the surveillance video, deputies watched as Smith entered the store in a gray hoodie. He purchased sunflower seeds and left the store. Then Bryant entered the store wearing mask, brandishing a 9mm semi-automatic automatic handgun at Kotha. A short time later, he lifted the cash register draw and fired two shots at Kotha, hitting him in the upper chest and head, according to a report.

Smith, according to the report, left the store without taking any cash.

By early morning, surveillance images were posted on social media and news media, including NorthEscambia.com. A tipster came forward an identified one of the suspects as Smith to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Smith was taken into custody and transported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, wearing the same hoodie as in the surveillance video. A police report notes he was distraught and crying hysterically.

At no point did Smith attempt to render first aid to Kotha, contact emergency medical services or reach out to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the report revealed.

Smith provided his DNA to Crime Scene, according to the report.

Clausell and Bryant were dating, the investigation revealed.

Comments

6 Responses to “Bonds Set, Details Released In Convenience Store Clerk Murder”

  1. Rebecca Hart on February 23rd, 2019 11:29 am

    So sorry for these people’s loss. That is horrible I’m from Alabama but from all the other people’s comments he seemed like a really nice and family oriented guy. I believe all three should be charged with murder. May he rest in peace and his family find some comfort in time

  2. Just asking on February 22nd, 2019 4:46 pm

    Unless the laws have changed all involved regardless who did the murder were charged with murder. So, just asking why Clausell has only robbery charge?

  3. w.w. on February 22nd, 2019 10:21 am

    Thanks Barry

  4. Bartender on February 22nd, 2019 9:52 am

    If they would come back with public hangings alot of killing might stop.we the tax payers has to feed murders like these.all 3 should get charged.

  5. Mike J. on February 22nd, 2019 9:07 am

    A man is murdered, a daughter loses her father right before her wedding, and with the store closed, how many other employees at this store lost their jobs because of this evil Bryant decided to kill. They just had gas tanks and pumps installed at the store and probably went into a lot of debt for that. I bought gas there last week but didn’t go inside. Everybody says he was a nice guy. Rest in Peace.

  6. Good grief on February 22nd, 2019 5:08 am

    DEATH PENALTY!!!!! ALL 3 them!!!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News