Victims identified in Rock Hill smoke shop double murder

ROCK HILL, SC – Rock Hill Police are investigating after two people died and another person was hurt in a shooting at a smoke shop Wednesday night. 

Zachary East Elias is charged with murder following a shooting at a Rock Hill smoke shop.

The shooting happened at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery. 

The York County Coroner’s Office says Celci Johnson, an employee at the shop, and Emad Saadalla, a customer, were both killed.

As officers were driving to the scene, they were told the suspect was a white man in a silver Dodge.

Officers say the suspect got into the truck with the firearm and took off  north on Cherry Road crashing at the bridge over the Catawba River.

The suspect identified as 28 year old Zachary East Elias, was then confronted by officers. 

One officer fired their weapon at the suspect, but did not hit him. 

Police say Elias charged toward officers and was tased before a physical struggle ensued. 

Officers were able to subdue him and take him into custody. 

Investigators located three victims inside with gunshot wounds. 

A man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene while another woman was transported to hospital. 

Another woman inside the store was not injured after running from the store during the incident. 

Elias was taken to the Rock Hill Jail where he was issued two Murder warrants, two warrants for Attempted Murder, and a warrant for Possession of a Weapon During a Crime of Violence.

The Rock Hill Police Department is still investigating the incident as well as conducting an internal investigation. 

The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division was notified and will conduct an independent investigation.