3OYS Exclusive: Store owner speaks after shooting suspect in self-defense in West Jackson

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Jackson Police have confirmed that a store owner’s actions were justified after he shot and killed a man who was trying to stab him at his business. The shooting happened at Big Boys Convenience Store Friday in West Jackson.

Musa Ali Ghna admits he has not been the same since the incident. He says he’s never had to defend himself to the extent of taking someone’s life.

“You see, I was cleaning right here,” he said. “Soon as I looked at him, he just took the knife and chased me into the store.”

Musa Ali Ghna says it was a matter of life or death.

“As soon as I looked by the door, right there, the knife was in his hand telling me I will kill you right now,” Ghna said.

In the exclusive video obtained by 3 on Your Side, you can see a man walking into the store chasing Ghna with a knife. The store owner was cleaning with his back turned at the time.

“He just kept chasing me all the way to the door. As soon as I saw the knife come up to my stomach, I was trying to hit him with the gun, but the gun right there popped off,” he said.

The man, who has yet to be identified, died at the scene. However, it’s not the first time Ghna says he’s had a run-in with the suspect.

Three days in a row prior to the altercation:

“This guy came in the store and threw all kinds of drinks on the floor. He would open the drinks and just leave with it by being high. I’m the one who’s paying for the damage,” he said.

After the shooting, Ghna was taken in by JPD for questioning. He was later released without facing any charges. Ghna says that, to this day, he still recounts those scary and terrifying moments. In hindsight, he wishes there was another outcome.

“What would you do if somebody came with a knife? No matter how strong you are, you can’t fight a person with a knife in his hand, no way. I give him enough chance chasing me around the store... it didn’t work,” Ghna said.

After investigating, JPD spokesperson Detective Tommie Brown confirmed the shooting was ruled self-defense. Ghna says he had to close his store for his own safety because of threats from the suspect’s family.

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