The market dispute in Virginia turned bloody: 77‑year‑old man died

The dispute that erupted in a supermarket in the U.S. state of Virginia ended with the death of 77‑year‑old Bert Atienza. According to reports, after a quarrel with a 17‑year‑old employee, the employee’s family came to the store and attacked the elderly man. Footage from the security camera showed Atienza collapsing to the ground and then being struck.

The dispute began over a shopping cart.

In the incident that occurred in the city of Norfolk, Bert Atienza quarreled with a 17‑year‑old female employee while shopping with his wife Josephine. According to reports, the young employee nearly collided with Josephine while moving forward with a shopping cart.

It was reported that Atienza reacted to the employee and asked why she had not apologized. As the dispute escalated, the young employee allegedly threw a double box and then left the scene.

The family attacked the elderly man by coming to the store.

The couple continued their shopping after the dispute. However, according to reports, shortly thereafter the employee’s parents, Travis White and Erika Mitchell, came to the store and found Atienza.

Security camera footage shows the elderly man being surrounded by multiple people, struck, and falling to the ground. According to reports, the attackers continued to kick him even after Atienza was on the ground.

Josephine Atienza said that despite her husband falling to the ground, the attack continued and she tried to help.

"Help me not get up," she said.

After the attack, it was reported that Bert Atienza remained conscious for a while and asked his wife to lift him. However, the severely injured elderly man lost consciousness shortly thereafter.

Josephine said that her husband had a heart condition and that he experienced great fear during the attack.

He died a day later.

Atienza, who was taken to the hospital, died on June 8, a day after the brutal attack he endured.

Authorities launched an investigation after the incident and deemed the death a murder.

Charges were elevated to murder.

Police arrested 44‑year‑old Travis White and 42‑year‑old Erika Mitchell. Initially facing charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy, the suspects' charges were later changed to second‑degree murder.

The suspects' lawyer argued that the incident was not premeditated. The lawyer claimed that the couple had gone to the market only to protect their daughter after the incident and that the events unfolded spontaneously.

The 17‑year‑old employee was also charged.

The 17‑year‑old employee alleged to have argued with Atienza was also charged in connection with the incident. The young woman was charged with assault and beating, aggravated intentional injury, and conspiracy to commit a serious crime.

The supermarket management, however, stated that the young employee no longer works for the company and is continuing cooperation with the police in the investigation.

Bert Atienza's death left behind his 42‑year‑old wife Josephine and his son Jobert Atienza.