DALLAS - Police have arrested a Waco man, 21-year-old Davonta Mathis, in connection with the brutal murders of two convenience store clerks in North Texas.

Mathis is accused of committing two separate deadly robberies: one over the weekend in Pleasant Grove, and another on June 20 in Mesquite. Both incidents involved night-shift store clerks who were fatally shot during the robberies.

The first incident occurred on June 20, just before midnight, at the Family Stop Food Store on Bruton Road in Mesquite. Mohammad Hussain, a 60-year-old resident of Carrollton, was working the night shift when Mathis allegedly entered the store, fired multiple shots, and stole items from the premises. Hussain, who had been a dedicated employee, was tragically killed during the robbery.

The second incident took place early Saturday morning at the Fox gas station on Lake June Road in Pleasant Grove. According to Dallas police, Mathis entered the store, approached the counter, and shot 32-year-old Gopi Krishna Dasari. Mathis then proceeded to steal items before fleeing the scene. Dasari was transported to the hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.

Gopi Krishna Dasari, described by family and friends as a hardworking man, had recently moved to the United States from India in search of a better life. He leaves behind a grieving wife and a young child, adding to the heartbreak of his tragic and untimely death.

Following Dasari’s death, Mathis's initial charge of robbery was upgraded to capital murder. The escalation of the charge reflects the severity of the crime and the loss experienced by Dasari’s family.

Surveillance cameras played a crucial role in identifying Mathis. Footage from both incidents provided police with clear images of the suspect and the vehicle he was using. This information was quickly disseminated to all Mesquite patrol officers. On Saturday morning, just 20 minutes after the Pleasant Grove murder-robbery, an alert officer spotted the suspect's vehicle.

Mesquite Police Sgt. Curtis Phillip detailed the events that followed: "An officer observed the vehicle, got behind it, and attempted to stop it. A vehicle pursuit ensued, which led to a foot pursuit, and a suspect was taken into custody." The swift actions of the officer led to Mathis's arrest, with items found in his vehicle linking him directly to the Dallas murder.

In response to the arrest, Sgt. Phillip expressed sorrow over Mathis's choices: "It's sad that someone would choose this path in life," he said. "But unfortunately, the only person that could have changed that was him."

Davonta Mathis is currently being held on a $7.5 million bond as the investigation continues. Police are now looking into whether Mathis could be connected to other unsolved robberies or crimes in the area. The investigation aims to uncover any additional offenses and ensure justice for all victims affected by his actions.

This series of tragic events highlights the risks faced by night-shift workers and the profound impact of violent crime on communities. The families of Gopi Krishna Dasari and Mohammad Hussain are left mourning the loss of their loved ones, and the community is rallying to support them during this difficult time.