A local family is seeking justice after a man died following a robbery in September.
Alan Menser was working security at the Rite Aid on S. H Street and Ming Avenue on September 1, 2018, when two suspects rushed inside and injured him in the process.
"Two people trying to steal a bottle of alcohol injured my father," said Allison McConnell, Menser's daughter. She was joined by her sister Katie and her stepmother Cindy in Menser's home on Thursday; the family says Menser's foot was hurt during the robbery.
On September 20, Menser died in his home. His family believes he died from a blood clot that was a result of the injury sustained during the robbery, in which it appears the two suspects stole a bottle from a shelf.
"It's just so senseless," said Cindy. "Just a bottle of alcohol, it's so senseless that his live's been taken."
Following the theft, the Kern County Sheriff's Office sent out a poster asking for information on the suspects, saying they used force to steal merchandise. The family says they were told the suspects were arrested, but KCSO could not confirm on Thursday.
The family also believes that the suspects should face homicide or involuntary manslaughter charges, but they say they were told the suspects will be charged on robbery charges. They are awaiting a coroner's report to determine if more charges can be filed.
"We don't want them to just be charged with robbery," Cindy said. "They were a contributing factor to my husband's death."
When reached for comment, KCSO said they are actively investigating the case, but could not provide further details. Updates will be provided when the coroner's report is released and official cause of death is known.
