Pleasanton, California – A White, loss prevention employee at a California Home Depot was shot and killed last Tuesday while attempting to prevent a theft in progress at the store. Police allege the fatal gunshot came from a Black woman, whose boyfriend—and getaway driver—was a convicted rapist already wanted for theft across the state.
According to police reports, the incident started when a Black woman, later identified as 32-year-old Benicia Knapps, was attempting to leave the store without paying for a DeWalt battery charger in a yellow box. That’s when the victim, identified as 26-year-old Blake Mohs, confronted Knapps. A physical confrontation ensued, leading Knapps to pull out a handgun and shoot Mohs.
Despite the shooting, Mohs survived and continued to pursue the suspect as she and an accomplice fled in a red Nissan Pathfinder driven by her boyfriend, 31-year-old, David Guiillory. The pair of alleged burglars then conducted a high-speed chase down multiple California freeways before finally being apprehended by Police. Reports asserted that the pair had their 2-year-old child in the backseat of the vehicle and at numerous times, Guillory cut across traffic, ran red lights, and exceeded speeds of 90mph. The suspects were taken into custody by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and the child was removed from the couple’s custody.
Mohs was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries soon after. The suspects were charged with first-degree murder, robbery, child endangerment, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Knapps, who had prior theft convictions, was placed on a mental hold after choking herself with a seatbelt in the back of the Alameda Sheriff’s Department police cruiser until she lost consciousness.
Her boyfriend and getaway driver, Guillory, already had a pending criminal case in Berkeley, for charges of stealing $1,300 in uniforms and jerseys from a soccer store. Reports revealed that Guillory is a convicted rapist who once did prison time in June 2015 for unlawful sexual intercourse. In 2013, he was arrested for first-degree burglary. Knaaps also had a history of criminal activity and was out on probation for theft exceeding $950. Despite allegedly shooting Mohs with a firearm, she was prohibited from possessing one per her sentencing guidelines.
While no hate crimes enhancements were issued to either of the pair of the two alleged killer shoplifters, a visible red, black, and green neck tattoo visible on Guillory’s neck could reveal a history of anti-White, pro-Black sentiment.
Mohs’ mother spoke to the media in an emotional interview where she mourned the loss of her son. “The friendships and the relationships he started to build and the leadership … attitude started to come out in him,” she said. During the interview, she showed off a scout parent pin and Eagle Scout flag during the interview, saying, “It’s just a different perspective when you hold it and not him.”
“They looked at each other and they had seen each other for a long time, but then they saw each other differently and almost five years later they were planning a wedding and a future.” She continued.
The loss of Mohs has left the community devastated. Mohs was a son, a brother, a decorated Eagle Scout, and a fiancé who was preparing to get married in August at a Boy Scout campground in Sonoma County, according to the couple’s wedding website. He was described by those that knew him as a kind, enthusiastic, and dedicated person who had a passion for serving his community.
The Golden Gate Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America posted a heartfelt tribute to Mohs on their Facebook page, stating that Mohs was an Eagle Scout with a lifelong affiliation with Scouting.
“Blake earned his Eagle Scout Rank on May of 2014 in Troop 176… As an adult, he continued his lifelong passion for Scouting by volunteering for as many Cub Scout weekend camping events as possible,” read the post on social media. “Our hearts are broken by the news of his passing yesterday and we are working with his family and friends to support them as best we can during this difficult time.”
Pleasanton police officials called the incident a “senseless act of violence” that started with a theft that turned into a robbery which culminated in Mohs’ murder. During a police interview, Knaaps claimed that the gun was discharged by accident, and while the entire incident was caught on video, Police have yet to release it to the public.
So far, no hate crimes enhancements were issued to either of the two killer suspects. However, a red, black, and green neck tattoo that reads “BLM” visible in Guillory’s mugshot may lead to a history of anti-White bigotry. The infamous Black Power organization—which has a history of terrorizing White citizens while masquerading as a social justice advocacy group—has been involved with countless acts of brutal violence that have only intensified since the 2020 summer of racial reckoning. It could be argued that Guillory’s anti-White bias may have motivated Mohs’ shooting death.
“Blake was a well-known member of the community who helped keep customers and staff safe,” said Lt. Erik Silacci, a spokesman for the Pleasanton Police Department. He was involved in community youth programs and planned to be married in the summer. He is survived by his parents, brother, and fiancée.”
A GoFundMe has been set up by the Mohs family in order to cover funeral costs.
Front-line employees of corporate’s largest retail chains have consistently proven to be the targets of horrific acts non-White violence. In December, a White great-grandfather of six working the cash register at a North Carolina Home Depot was shoved and killed over stolen power tools. Security camera footage revealed the culprit to be a Black man. In October, a White employee of an Ohio Walmart was shot and killed after attempting to stop a Black shoplifter from stealing phone chargers from the store’s electronic section. The victim was starting a family and left behind a pregnant wife.
Please forward any tips or leads regarding incidents of violent Black crime or anti-White hate to [email protected]