MESA, AZ – A CVS employee, Michael Jacobs, 49, was fatally shot on Thursday night, with the suspect being a man who was previously accused of shoplifting from the store. The suspect, 38-year-old Jared Sevey, was arrested by Mesa police following the incident. The incident occurred at a CVS pharmacy near Brown Road and Mesa Drive. Police were alerted to a possible shooting at approximately 8:10 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Jacobs with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Earlier that evening, Sevey had been suspected of shoplifting at the CVS. Court records indicate that Sevey claimed Jacobs had attempted to hit him, but missed. Following this altercation, Sevey left the store and returned to his nearby home. According to the court documents, Sevey then retrieved a firearm and instructed his daughter to go to her grandmother’s house if he did not return. Sevey then returned to the CVS, ordering all other employees to leave the premises, leaving only Jacobs. Witnesses reported that Sevey fired four shots at Jacobs, who attempted to escape but was fatally wounded.
After the shooting, a witness reported the direction Sevey had taken when he fled the scene on foot. Using real-time cameras in the area, police were able to locate Sevey near an irrigation canal. Upon their arrival, officers observed Sevey discarding a firearm into the canal. The weapon was later retrieved.
When apprehended, Sevey reportedly confessed to the crime, stating “I’m guilty” and “I planned it.” At the time of his arrest, Sevey had blood on his clothing. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and tampering with evidence.
Sevey, a convicted felon, has a criminal history that includes charges of domestic violence, possession of burglary tools, shoplifting, illegal firearm possession, and DUI. He told police that he was “tired of being bullied” and that the shooting was “the last straw” following previous altercations with Jacobs over accusations of shoplifting.
During his initial court appearance on Friday, prosecutors argued that Sevey’s actions demonstrated a clear intent to murder Jacobs. His bond was set at $1 million cash-only, reflecting his criminal history and the severity of the charges.