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TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - The man accused of murdering a store clerk in Tupelo appeared before a judge for the first time Tuesday morning.

Chris Copeland (C. C.), 26, of Tupelo, is charged with capital murder, meaning he’s eligible for the death penalty.

Tupelo police said C. C. tried to rob a Chevron store Sunday morning, Sept. 11. During the attempted robbery, he allegedly shot (P. S.), 33, of Tupelo, in the head.

During his court appearance, investigators said C. C. pretended to make a purchase and P. S. was behind the counter.

Police said P. S. surrendered some money and opened a safe for C. C.

C. C. then ordered P. S. to the floor, jumped over the counter, then shot the victim, according to authorities.

C. C. ripped out what he believed to be surveillance footage and left the store, police said.

“With 27 years in law enforcement, this may be one of the worst ones I’ve ever seen,” Police Chief John Quaka said. “The victim was literally executed in the back of the head inside his store where he was trying to make a living. It is just absolutely outrageous. The prosecutor said it best — ‘it’s monstrous.’”

C. C. was denied a bond.

Quaka said C. C. has a criminal history. He previously faced burglary and larceny charges. C. C. was free on MDOC probation at the time of his arrest on Sunday and had an outstanding warrant.