Feds: Man pleads guilty to murdering Madeira convenience store owner, armed robberies

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A man charged in the death of a Madeira convenience store owner and a string of armed robberies has pleaded guilty in federal court.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Willie James Attaway, 32, pleaded guilty to murdering 68-year-old Roop Gupta, a well-known owner of Madeira Beverage, in February 2021.

A prison sentence of up to 45 years is being recommended, the attorney's office said.

“Gun violence is never OK, and is especially tragic when a life is lost,” U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker said in a statement. “One shooting death is one too many, and my office remains committed to holding trigger pullers accountable.”

“Today's guilty plea is a step in the right direction, and it will hopefully provide some small amount of closure for Mr. Gupta's family,” John Nokes, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ATF’s Columbus Field Division, said. “Mr. Gupta's life ended tragically at the hands of the defendant. That heinous act altered the course of many lives, and it robbed Mr. Gupta, his family, and our community of future opportunities that so many of us take for granted.”

Attaway also admitted to committing or attempting four other armed robberies on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, 2021.

During the two-day crime spree, federal officials said Attaway brandished a firearm to rob or attempt to rob:

According to federal officials, during the first robbery attempt, Attaway pulled out a gun at two clerks and demanded money from the register, which they gave him.

Later that night, federal officials said he went to a second Shell gas station, where he pulled out a gun and threatened to use it. Federal officials said the clerk gave Attaway money from the cash register.

The next day, Feb. 9, 2021, Attaway walked into Madeira Beverage, where he confronted Gupta, who was working behind the counter.

Federal officials said Attaway pointed a gun at Gupta and then, during a struggle, shot Gupta in the abdomen. Gupta was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Later that night, Attaway walked into the Sunoco in Blue Ash, where federal officials said he took out a gun and demanded money, which the clerk gave him.

After that, Attaway walked into a Marathon and demanded money. Federal officials said the clerk pretended he had a firearm, causing Attaway to flee.

A second suspect, Lamond Johnson, 37, is also charged in the string of armed robberies, including the robbery of Madeira Beverage, where Gupta was shot and killed.

Customers said Gupta was known for selling lucky lottery tickets and making sure teenagers didn't get their beer in his store.

Gupta and his family also lived in Madeira in a home attached to the store.