BOSTON — A 24-year old store clerk who was shot on July 14 has died after spending one-and-a-half months on life support.
Tanjim Siam of Bangladesh was shot in the head by robbers who held up the convenience store located at 718 Shawmut Avenue in Roxbury.
Doctors conducted multiple surgeries and put him on life support as his family traveled to Massachusetts.
Siam’s family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support on Friday and he passed away Saturday morning.
We are broken-hearted by the loss of such a bright, young man. He came here to pursue his dreams, but his life was stolen by a heartless criminal. The BCSOA stands with his family at this difficult time, as well as by all our employees, who have endured the stress of being on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic and too often become victims of crime. Tanjim represented the best of the American dream and we are all saddened by his death.
— Boston Convenience Store Owners Association
“Tanjim was a young immigrant who came to the United States seeking a better life for his family, and his life was cut tragically short by an act of violence. My heart breaks for Tanjim’s family and all his loved ones. We will continue to seek justice for this horrific act that has forever shattered so many lives.”
— Press Office of Mayor Marty Walsh
After 1 1/2 months on life support, Tanjim Siam just passed away. Mom, dad, &2younger siblings were by his bedside when the 25y/o took his last breath.Siam was shot in the head during a robbery in Roxbury.He came to this country 4 months ago, hoping to start a new life. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/sKBLY3QHro
— Malini Basu (@MaliniBasu_) August 22, 2020
Boston 25 News reporter Malini Basu communicated closely with Siam’s family since the shooting. During a private meeting in early August, Siam’s mother, Monowara Begum Moni, couldn’t stop crying and shared stories about her beloved son, wishing he would be okay.
Tonight, respectfully I met with Tanjim Siam’s Mom, Dad,& Brothers. Mom hugged me, held my hands & shared powerful stories about her son. As a child,Tanjim loved the rain, he would look up&try to catch the rain drops in his mouth. 🙏🏽 for the family, & hope they can find strength. pic.twitter.com/84WCfSiVgf
— Malini Basu (@MaliniBasu_) August 6, 2020
When Siam’s family arrived from Bangladesh on August 3, doctors at Boston Medical Center alerted the family that he would not survive.
After getting the devastating news, a family friend spoke to the media on their behalf.
“I couldn’t bare my tears, I was shocked,” said Abdul Matin, who was there the night of the robbery. “I saw their screaming and I was so upset. I sit down with the doctors for 30 minutes. Doctors told them the details to the parents.”
Police say the gunman walked in, robbed the place, then made Siam get down on his knees, before shooting him in the head twice.
Siam is an immigrant who came to the US with big plans for the future and seized an opportunity to seek a better life. Now, all of that has been taken away by someone who was just interested in robbing a convenience store. I'm hoping for justice and praying for his family. https://t.co/gofFVNbk0h
— Manoella Macedo (@manuoumacedo) August 5, 2020
On August 7, 25-year-old Stephon Samuel was arrested and charged with armed assault with intent to murder, armed robbery by means of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and armed career criminal Level 1.
Tanjim Siam came to this country months ago with aspirations to go to college and help support his family financially back home.
According to police, an autopsy will be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that will determine the cause and manner of death.
Details on a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
A GoFundMe page in his memory has been established. You can donate here.
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