Teen sentenced in killing of Ogden store owner

A Utah teenager was sentenced this week in connection with the February slaying of an Ogden convenience store owner.

Anthony Garcia, 16, was initially charged with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery in the killing of Satnam Singh. In October, Garcia pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and discharge of a dangerous weapon, a deal that Singh’s family agreed to, according to prosecutors.

Garcia was accused of entering a Super Grocery in Ogden, located at 675 N. Monroe Blvd., shortly before midnight on Feb. 28, then approaching Singh, who was behind the counter, and saying, “This is a stickup,” police have said.

As Singh, 65, backed away from the counter, Garcia fired a handgun four times, police said, hitting Singh twice and killing him.

According to a probable cause statement, Garcia told police he robbed the store because he “did not have as much cash as he wanted.”

Garcia this week was sentenced to two consecutive terms of five years to life, with credit for time served. He was tried as an adult, but will be held in juvenile detention until he is 21. At that time, he will be eligible for parole.

If parole is not granted, he will be transferred to the Utah State Prison.

According to Singh’s obituary, he was born in Punjab, India, and immigrated to the United States in 1987. He purchased the Super Grocery in 2000.

“He worked hard,” according to the obituary, “and would often open his store early and stay late into the evening. He spent time in prayer every day. He never missed an opportunity to pray. He gave help to those in need. There are so many people who have shared how Satnam would give them food, give them a discount, or help them out in any way he could. He was all about his family.”

Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.