Nilufar Yasmin Parveen Killed in Fort Myers Gas Station Attack, Rolbert Joachin Charged as Community Demands Justice

The Fort Myers community is mourning the tragic death of Nilufar Yasmin Parveen, a 48-year-old mother of two who was killed in a brutal gas station attack. Authorities say Rolbert Joachin, 40, has been arrested and charged in connection with the killing.

The fatal incident occurred early Thursday morning, April 2, at a gas station along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida.

According to police and witness accounts, the attack was both sudden and violent. Surveillance footage shows Joachin allegedly smashing the windshield of the victim’s car with a hammer before confronting her. When Yasmin stepped outside, he reportedly ran toward her and struck her in the head multiple times, killing her.

Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Yasmin to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Authorities later located and arrested Joachin near Mango and Raleigh Streets following an intensive manhunt. Fort Myers Police Chief Jason Fields said officers used all available resources, including K-9 units and aviation support, to track down the suspect.

“We were not going home until we found him,” Fields said, describing the масштаб of the search effort.

Possible Motive Under Investigation

Investigators are working to determine what led to the deadly confrontation. Preliminary information suggests the suspect may have returned to the gas station days after an earlier dispute.

According to reports, Joachin had previously attempted to withdraw money from an ATM inside the store but became frustrated when the transaction failed. He allegedly demanded cash from Yasmin, who informed him she was not responsible for the machine. Police believe he left the scene at the time, only to return days later.

During Thursday’s attack, witnesses say Joachin shouted, “Give me my money,” before carrying out the assault.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the killing was premeditated or if additional charges will be filed.

Community in Mourning

Yasmin, originally from Bangladesh, had been working as a cashier at the gas station for just three months. Friends, family, and co-workers describe her as kind, hardworking, and devoted to her two daughters, ages 16 and 20.

A growing memorial now stands outside the gas station, where community members have gathered to honor her life and call for justice.

“Everybody right now is sad—not only me, not only the Bangladeshi community, but people everywhere,” said M.D. Islam, a local community member. “It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen.”

Islam added that Yasmin had just completed her morning prayers shortly before the attack, underscoring the sudden and devastating nature of the incident.

A fundraiser created for her family shows photos of a devoted mother remembered for her warmth and generosity toward others.

Arrest and Charges

Rolbert Joachin made his first court appearance shortly after his arrest and is currently being held at the Lee County Jail without bond. He faces charges including murder and destruction of property.

During the search for the suspect, three nearby schools—Success Academy, the Young Parent Education Program, and James Stephens Elementary—were temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Ongoing Investigation

Police say the investigation remains active as they continue gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage. It is still unclear whether Yasmin and Joachin had any prior relationship beyond the reported dispute.

The victim’s family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss.