‘Senseless’: Family in mourning after beloved Lewisville pawn shop owner killed during apparent robbery

LEWISVILLE, Texas — A family is in mourning after a beloved pawn shop owner was fatally shot at his Lewisville store during a robbery on Tuesday.

A search is underway for three suspects now wanted for murder.

Police said the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. at the Lewisville Pawn Shop at 962 S. Mill Street.

According to police, three suspects jumped out of a Ford Escape SUV, rushed into the store and confronted the owner. Family members identified the owner as Daniel White, 54.

White was shot by one of the suspects, according to police. The three suspects fled the area in the SUV. They are wanted for capital murder because the shooting happened during a robbery, police said.

White’s family is begging the public for help. 

“If you know something, help the police find these people,” White’s wife, Yolanda, told WFAA. 

“Speak up. I don’t care who you are. I don’t care if you know them or overheard something. Stand up and do the right thing, because that’s what Daniel would’ve done,” his wife added.

“This was a senseless heart crushing crime. We want to ask the community, if you know or have any information, please come forward,” said Misha Gonzales, the victim’s sister-in-law.

White has been working at the pawn shop since he was 16 years old.

“His wife is left to pick up the pieces,” said Gonzales.

“I just hope they catch these guys,” Yolanda said. “… I hope they catch them.”

Joe Gonzales, Daniel’s father-in-law, is left heartbroken. He explained to WFAA how White was gunned down.

“[White] was in the process of putting out the guns, and that’s when three individuals came in and confronted him,” said Joe Gonzales.

“They just shot him. Cold-blooded. He stood his ground, and they didn’t take nothing,” the father-in-law said.

Witnesses close to the investigation said they saw the three suspects back into the first spot of the store. They were driving a red or maroon Ford Escape, 2008-2012 model. Police are working with the ATF and Homeland Security for any leads.

While the investigation continues, Joe Gonzales said his daughter is left crushed.

“They were inseparable. Where one went, the other one went,” said Joe Gonzales.

But on Tuesday, she wasn’t at work to help him. Now, the family is left with memories. 

“We met in high school,” Yolanda cried. “We’ve been together for 35 years, and in that time, he’s done nothing but grow into the perfect person.”

“You took a life for nothing. He was more than a son-in-law. He was like my son,” Joe Gonzales said, regarding the suspects.

Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call the Lewisville Police Department’s tip line at 972-219-8477. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and text information by texting “TipLPD” to 847411. Denton County Crime Stoppers can also accept tips through their website and their P3 Tips phone app.

The family set up an online fundraising campaign to help pay for funeral expenses.