As the Mesa community marks one somber year since the tragic shooting of CVS manager Michael Jacobs, the lingering pain of his absence resonates deeply with those he left behind. According to an ABC15 report, Jacobs served as a hardworking father and husband, whose life was cut short on September 7, 2023, at the CVS location near Mesa Drive and Brown Road by Jared Sevey, a 39-year-old man now serving a significant prison sentence. "When I wake up, I'm expecting Mike to be home," Michael's wife, Stacy, told ABC15, "And he’s not home."
It was at this same store, just over a year ago, the 49-year-old Jacobs' commitment to his job and community was met with a violent end. Sevey, following an altercation over an alleged case of shoplifting where the store declined to press charges, armed himself and violently took Jacobs' life before being swiftly apprehended by police. As reported by 12News, shocking statements made by Sevey to officers underscored the premeditated nature of the act, including a chilling, “I’m guilty,” “I planned it,” and “I bet he ain’t talking s*** no more.”
The family, still navigating their grief, seeks to cherish and uphold Jacobs' memory through personal ventures and acts of remembrance. Gabriel, Michael's son, has channeled his creative energies into a business producing rosaries and jewelry – a homage to shared moments with his father.
As the legal proceedings came to a close this summer with Sevey's plea deal and sentencing, the family confronts a harsh reality – justice in the courts does not equate to the return of a beloved figure. "Mike’s not coming back that’s the thing," Stacy poignantly disclosed to ABC15. "Dealing with this murder is something lifetime, I have to live with him not being here." Despite an outpouring of support from the community, including heartfelt letters from some of his regular customers, a stark sense of injustice lingers, fueled by a desire for answers and accountability.
Details surrounding the incident raise questions about store policies and procedural responses to potential threats. In an interview obtained by 12News, conflicting statements emerged from the family and CVS regarding communication and support following Jacobs' death. A CVS spokesperson claimed, "We have spoken to Michael’s wife and are assisting her with access to various benefits." Yet, the palpable frustration and desire for clarity remain as the family grieves a life that was so much more than professional obligation, one filled with love, devotion, and community service.
