The Rock Hill community is in deep mourning following a tragic shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery on Cherry Road, which claimed the lives of two individuals and critically injured another. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of December 4, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the town, prompting an outpouring of grief and support for the victims and their families.
The life tragically cut short was Emad Saadalla, also known as Emad Thabet, a devoted husband and father of six young children. He was shopping with his wife, Leana Saadalla, when a gunman entered the store and opened fire. Emad succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Leana was severely wounded, sustaining seven gunshot wounds that necessitated multiple surgeries. Among the victims was also Celcei Johnson, a 27-year-old employee of Budiman’s Smokeshop, who had only recently joined the team. She too lost her life in this senseless act of violence.
Leana Saadalla, critically injured in the Rock Hill Shooting, and her late husband Emad Saadalla, a father of six who tragically died in the incident, are remembered by their community. The photo, provided by their family, captures a moment of joy now overshadowed by the recent tragedy at the Rock Hill smoke shop.
Funeral Services to Honor Emad Saadalla
In the wake of this tragedy, the community is rallying to support the bereaved families. A public funeral service is scheduled for Emad Saadalla on Friday, December 13th, providing an opportunity for community members to pay their respects and offer condolences. The service will be held at noon at St. Mary and St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church of the Carolinas in Fort Mill, followed by a burial at 2 p.m. at York Memorial Park in Charlotte. Emad’s mother, Susan Lasonde, has extended a heartfelt invitation to the public to attend and commemorate her son’s life.
Details of the Rock Hill Shooting Incident
According to reports from the Rock Hill Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. on December 4th. Zachary Elias, 28, is accused of entering Budiman’s Smokeshop with the intent to harm. Elias allegedly fired multiple shots inside the store, fatally wounding Emad Saadalla and Celcei Johnson, and critically injuring Leana Saadalla. A fourth individual present in the shop at the time managed to escape unharmed through a back exit.
Zachary Elias, identified by the Rock Hill Police Department as the suspect in the deadly shooting at Budiman’s Smoke Shop, is currently facing serious charges related to the Rock Hill incident.
Celcei Johnson, remembered by her loved ones, had been working at the smoke shop for only a few weeks when her life was tragically taken. Her grandmother shared the devastating impact of this loss, highlighting the profound grief experienced by Celcei’s mother and younger sister.
Leana Saadalla’s ordeal is far from over. Despite surviving the initial attack, she sustained critical injuries and is expected to undergo further surgeries. Family members initially expressed concerns about potential amputation of part of her arm, underscoring the severity of her wounds. Updates from a GoFundMe campaign, established to support the family, indicate the long road to recovery ahead for Leana, both physically and emotionally, as she navigates life without her husband while caring for their six children.
Suspect’s Actions and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have stated that Zachary Elias allegedly confessed to consuming a psychedelic substance purchased from Budiman’s Smokeshop earlier on the day of the shooting. Reports indicate that Elias made “incoherent statements” during the incident, suggesting a possible influence of the substance on his actions.
Following the shooting, Elias fled the scene in a Dodge pickup truck, leading police on a brief pursuit that ended when he crashed near the Catawba River bridge. Upon exiting the vehicle, Elias was confronted by Rock Hill police officers. An officer discharged a weapon but missed Elias, who was subsequently apprehended after being tasered when he charged at the officers.
Budiman’s Smoke Shop in Rock Hill, South Carolina, became the site of a deadly shooting, leaving the community reeling from the violence and loss experienced at this local business.
Elias now faces grave charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He was denied bond at a hearing on December 5th, and remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.
During the bond hearing, a statement from Leana Saadalla was read to the court, poignantly conveying the devastating impact of the shooting on her six children, who are now left without their father. Similarly, Celcei Johnson’s grandmother spoke of the immeasurable loss felt by her family, emphasizing the irreplaceable void left by Celcei’s untimely death.
Community Support and Remembrance
The Rock Hill community is demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of this tragedy. Beyond the funeral arrangements, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to provide financial assistance to Emad and Leana Saadalla’s six children. This initiative reflects the community’s desire to support the family during this incredibly difficult time. Similarly, a GoFundMe was established for Celcei Johnson, highlighting the widespread community support for all those affected by the Rock Hill shooting.
Mourners and community members gather at Budiman’s Smoke Shop & Art Gallery in Rock Hill to remember and honor the lives of the victims tragically lost in the recent shooting incident, showcasing the community’s solidarity and grief.
The Rock Hill shooting serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and its profound impact on families and communities. As the community mourns the loss of Emad Saadalla and Celcei Johnson, and supports Leana Saadalla in her recovery, the focus remains on healing, remembrance, and seeking justice for the victims of this senseless act. The collective grief underscores the importance of community solidarity and support in the face of tragedy.
