DANVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — 21-year-old Jaelynn Lowen, of Danville, has been arrested for the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Pinakin Patel outside a convenience store.

Lowen was taken into custody on April 20 in Louisiana following the April 17 shooting of Patel outside the Airport Mart Exxon on South Boston Road in Danville.

Patel, who was associated with the store, was found in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds and later died at SOVAH Health, Danville Police said.

According to police, the shooting occurred during an altercation between Patel and Lowen over an alleged theft.

After the incident, Lowen fled the scene in a Honda Odyssey van.

Lowen is charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

He remains in custody in Louisiana and will be extradited to Danville to face charges.

21-year-old Keontae Tarpley was arrested in Danville on April 17 and charged with accessory after the fact in connection to the case.

Authorities continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact the Danville Police Department by calling 9-1-1 or Crime Stoppers at 434-793-0000.

Tips can be submitted anonymously.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ORIGINAL STORY – April 17

DANVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — The Danville Police Department has identified the 21-year-old suspect in the April 17 fatal shooting outside the Airport Mart Exxon on South Boston Road.

Jaelynn Lowen of Danville has been charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

He remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous, according to police.

The incident occurred around 12:41 p.m., when officers responded to reports of a shooting in the store’s parking lot.

Pinakin Patel, 47, who was associated with the business, was found suffering from gunshot wounds.

He was transported to SOVAH Health in Danville, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators say the shooting stemmed from an altercation between Patel and Lowen over an alleged theft.

The confrontation escalated, leading to the fatal shooting.

Following the incident, Lowen fled the scene in a dark-colored Honda Odyssey van with Virginia license plate TDM-5557.

Thanks to tips from the community, police located the vehicle on Halifax Road.

Authorities are now focusing their efforts on locating Lowen.

Anyone with information on Lowen’s whereabouts is asked to contact Danville Police by calling 9-1-1 or Crime Stoppers at 434-793-0000.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.