Bangladeshi community seeks justice after Fort Myers gas station killing

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the man charged with brutally beating a Fort Myers gas station clerk to death.

More than a month has passed since Nilufa Easmin was killed outside a gas station off MLK Boulevard in Fort Myers. A memorial for the Bangladeshi mother still stands at the location where she was beaten to death.

The president of the Bangladesh Association of Southwest Florida shared how the community is feeling after prosecutors announced they are seeking the death penalty in this case. Hard work and the American dream define Southwest Florida's Bangladeshi community, Samir Syed said.

"Basically, we try to build our career," Syed said.

The community has been thrust into the spotlight after police say Rolbert Joachin brutally murdered 51-year-old Easmin with a hammer outside the gas station where she worked. State Attorney Amira Fox described Easmin as someone who was working to provide for her family.

"Simply working in her job, working to provide for her family," Fox said.

A grand jury charged Joachin with first-degree murder Thursday. Prosecutors will now seek the death penalty.

"We are so happy," Syed said.

Syed owns a gas station off U.S. 41 in Lee County. While he didn't know Easmin personally, Syed is no stranger to loss.

"So this is the very risky job for us," Syed said.

Ten years ago, his brother-in-law was shot and killed while working the overnight shift at a gas station off Palm Beach Boulevard outside Fort Myers. Syed is hopeful that prosecutors can bring justice for Easmin and peace of mind for others like her.

"So we stand together and we are very little bit safe that way. You know?" Syed said.

Syed is raising money for Easmin's family. He said they are also very happy about prosecutors' decision to seek the death penalty.