Home › News › Camarillo
Man found dead in Camarillo at a building he owned
Download this story as a podcast!
STORY TOOLS 
More from CamarilloThe owner of a strip mall in Camarillo was found dead Friday in his sport utility vehicle, parked behind a vacant building that he owned.
Mike Issa Grair, 64, lived in Burbank and owned the Crossroads Center at Las Posas and Lewis roads. He ran the Cross Road Market & Liquor in the center, said Tony Sadaa, a cashier at the store.
Grair also owned the vacant building across the street, which was where his daughter found him, shot dead, at about 5 p.m. on Friday, said Ventura County Sheriff's Department Capt. Ross Bonfiglio.
He was killed by a gunshot wound to the torso, said Armando Chavez, a Ventura County senior deputy medical examiner.
Sheriff's Department representatives would not comment Saturday on their progress in investigating the killing.
Grair, an immigrant from Syria, had owned the Crossroads Center for at least 10 years, Sadaa said.
In addition to the liquor store, it has a Jack in the Box and sushi and Mexican restaurants.
The building across the street, where Grair's body was found, was a gym until the business closed, Sadaa said.
On Saturday evening, Sadaa was at the Grair family's home in Burbank, where friends were gathering to comfort Grair's wife and daughters.
"He was like a father to me," Sadaa, a 41-year-old Ventura resident, said. "He loved me very much, like a family member."
Sadaa was recently on vacation in Syria and said Grair called his wife at home two or three times a week to see if the family needed anything.
Sometimes Grair would send him home early, Sadaa said, telling him, "Don't worry, I'll take care of the store."
Grair was friendly with customers and didn't seem to have any arguments with anybody, Sadaa said.
Posted by just_a_thought on October 12, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Man found dead...", should have read "Man shot dead...". What a confusingly written article! Come on Star, you can do better than this - even on a Sunday :(
Posted by Camman1 on October 12, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Totally agree - it is like the Star has their interns writing these stories!
Posted by zscuba_8e on October 12, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Agree. Man shot dead would have been more appropriate. Now an unsolved homicide in Camarillo.
Posted by 805m0mma on October 12, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And why did it take the Star so long to publish this article??
Story we heard was that someone wanted to look at the vacant building to possibly lease, so Mr. Grair met this person(s) over at the vacant building and never returned back to the liquor store.
It is not comforting to live so close to that area and know that there was a possible random murder and never hear anything official until 2 days later.
Posted by ironwoman on October 12, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Technically, he was found dead so the article heading is correct.
Very sad story.
Posted by tim_timer on October 12, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by keepin_it_real on October 12, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, I heard about this story yesterday from a friend. I was surprised I didn't see it in the paper. Now here it is 2 days later? If this happened in Oxnard, it would have been in the paper the very same day. What's up Star?
Posted by revort8 on October 12, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on Tim. You are merely speculating.
My condolences to the family.
Posted by bob100 on October 12, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Homicide In Camarillo
Burbank Man Found Shot To Death In Vehicle
By: KVTA News
2008-10-11
The Ventura County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit is investigating a homicide in Camarillo. A Burbank man was found shot to death inside his SUV around 5:13 PM Friday evening behind a vacant commercial complex at 4542 Los Posas Road. The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the man as 64-year-old Mike Grair of Burbank. They say an autopsy conducted Saturday determined that Grair died from a gunshot wound to the torso and his death is being classified as a homicide. No other details were available.
Posted by 805m0mma on October 12, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
keepin_it_real-I was going to say the same thing but didn't want to add fuel to the fire...if it were Ox it would have been breaking news the same hour it happen...but because it is Camarillo they don't want to mention it.
Posted by rebel123 on October 12, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
tim_timer: do you have information that substantiates your comments or are they random rantings or possibly sarcasm that missed the mark? I'm most confused by your post.
Posted by StayInSchool on October 12, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did they steal his wallet or anything else?
Posted by MyThoughtsOnly on October 12, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, the delay in reporting was very unnerving, especially to those of us who live nearby! I understand concerns over investigations, notifying family, etc. but that was not listed as a cause for delay. Typically the STAR online puts out "something" within an hour or so...one or two lines, but this time someone blew it. Then to make matters worse, it a small blurbs was in the paper and nothing online yesterday. No wonder people jump to conclusions and speculate! Irregardless, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Grair.
Posted by bob21456 on October 12, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Stop the complaining about the Star and think about the man and his family... I knew Mike, he was a good, honorable and honest man. I along with anyone else who knew him will miss him...
Posted by keepin_it_real on October 12, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bob21456,
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. You are absolutly right in the respect to the mans family and my condolences to them as well. I am sure it was devestating for his daughter to find him that way.
The concerns are still why so long to put the article in the paper. The story could have been written without any names, just details, is all we are saying. Again, if this was Oxnard, just like the other poster mentioned, the story would have been breaking news within an hour. ONE of the reasons Oxnard has a bad reputation. Star seems to keep a hush hush on other areas, or play them down.
I know people who work in the area and knew most of the details on Friday and early Saturday, including who he was. Just surprised we didn't see this in our local paper until today, that's all.
Posted by ox4me on October 12, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
keep_it real and others,
you are exactly correct in what youre saying.I noticed that too
Posted by Lisagsj on October 12, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This MAN you are all talking about is my uncle, and for that TIM to talk about something he knows nothing about is not only hurtful but VERY insulting to me and my family. all we ask for is that people RESPECT him and know the facts before you jump to ridiculous and stupid conclusion you don't have evidence to prove it.My uncle has been in this country for over 35 yrs He was a very christian man who supported his church both financially and religiously.
Not to be rude but why is it a homeless man goes on the news for 3 days, not one mention of this incident anywhere.
We value the privacy, but just to state facts so people like that TIM don't jump to conclusions.
Posted by Lisagsj on October 12, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sorry one more thing, my uncle didn't have anything in the old country, he was orphaned at a young age and taken in by my grandfather, his father's brother. Came to this country went to school and made everything he had HERE, he worked hard and long to get it. Sorry TIM but not all "arabs" have money to bring with them from the "old country". Again get your facts straight before you shoot off your mouth.
Posted by 805Nana_1 on October 12, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lisagsj,
I am very sorry for you loss. May your uncle now rest in peace.
You may read many posts here that will be very disturbing to your family. Please know that these are not the sentiments of many in our communities.
Posted by keepin_it_real on October 12, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Liagsj,
How horrific. I am very sorry for the loss of your Uncle. I hope the person who did this will be caught and prosecuted for this terrible crime. May your entire family be strong during this difficult time.
You are so right too, some will jump to conclusions before knowing the facts. Lets let the investigators do their jobs before drawing any conclusions.
My statements were made directly to the Star not to any disrespect to your Uncle or to your family. But usually I post my condolences as well and this time I didn't. My apologies. Be strong.
Posted by bob21456 on October 12, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I called the store today and left my phone number... Is there going to be a service for Mike?? If so... where and when... I would like to attend... I am so sorry you have to put up with the ignorance of some people... Mike was a good man and does not deserve this.
Posted by 805m0mma on October 12, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lisagsj -So sorry for the loss of your Uncle, my condolences to you and your family. I, as well as you and others, can't understand why someone so well respected and liked would not be mentioned until 2 days later.
Posted by Lisagsj on October 12, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you too all for your condolences, we appreciate all who have respected and honored my uncles memory and have prayed for my Family. For info about the funeral please go to www.Dorgalli.com
Posted by zulumaster on October 12, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Tim,
Jason Bourne and Jack Bauer are both looking for you.
Posted by Thinkbeforeyoupost on October 12, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tim; open mouth, insert foot!
Posted by EXVTA on October 12, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tim: Camarillo is a good city and protected by the best. This will be solved.... Let the Sheriff's Dept. do their job..
Posted by romadati on October 12, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey TIM TIMER- You started by saying "the murder will go unsolved" yet you solved it for us immediately thereafter. Your lack of respect and sympathy for a family who's just lost a loved one sounds very un-American. It also makes me wonder, where were you when this happened? You sure sound like you trying to divert...or maybe you were on crack when you posted your comment.
Posted by cameronincam on October 12, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the family... I am sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. I hope the perpetrator is brought to swift justice.
The Star needs to step up their game. The reporting in this very article is a great example. This was a murder, not a simple case of "finding a man dead". For that matter why not lead with the headline "Man dies of lead poisoning in Camarillo"
Get it together Star... your shoddy reporting is an insult to the community.
Posted by brwnoso on October 13, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully they catch the person that did this. My condolences to the Grair family.
Posted by sandy on October 13, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just so you all know, this was in the paper Saturday morning as well as Sunday. This is down the street from my house and the helicopters were circling for quite some time Friday night. My family knew this man just from going into the liquor store all the time. He was a very nice man. Liagsj, I am so sorry for your loss, all who knew him will miss him.
Posted by hotwildflower on October 13, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw this as breaking news on Fox 11 and kept checking star all evening for information, followed up on Saturday and by Sunday I had forgotten all about it.
Posted by WGC on October 13, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I met Mike Grair several years ago and had the pleasure of his company several times since. He was a very charming, gracious man with an upbeat personality. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, we have all lost a good man.
Posted by gi247rl on October 13, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
does it matter what the headline says...there was a man that was found dead. somebody lost a father, husband, brother, or friend.
Posted by Roadking on October 14, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this the liqour store where the clerk did a switcharu with a winning lottery ticket
Posted by sandy on October 14, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no, thats the liquor store out by Camarillo High School where the guy did the switcheroo
Posted by Roadking on October 14, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Liquor store clerk Sam Grair was found guilty of felony grand theft and for presenting a fraudulent claim to a government agency after he tried to steal a $530,858 Lottery ticket from a customer at the Camarillo store where he worked, the Ventura County District Attorney's office announced on Monday.
Posted by Roadking on October 14, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Same store but it was his nephew. May Mr Grair rest in peace and his killer found and prosecuted to the fullest. A sensless killing. Someone needs to get cuaght and taken of the streets.See how macho they are in Prison
Posted by keepitreal on October 14, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I knew Mike for some 20 years selling liquor and wine to him in his stores in Ventura County. He was always engaging and honest with me.
People who want to speculate on who did it and why is none of our business. The privacy of the Griar family should be paramount at this time. My deepest sympathy to his wife and daughters.
Posted by MyNameIsOffensive on October 14, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
keepitreal Spewed forth the following:"There is no reason to make the identity of the deceased public information"
Hmmm, a killer running loose in Camarillo and it's none of our business? Knowing who the victim is may be an important aspect of catching the killer.
Are you selling liquor or drinking it?
Posted by yermom on October 14, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
At least we got VCSD, they will be all over this!
Posted by keepitreal on October 15, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In response to MyNamelsOffensive idiotic remark: I never said don't find the killer! I simply said why it happened is of no business to you or anyone else. He was murdered. Obviously premeditated (that's means he was set up MyNameIsOffensive). By finding out who the killer is does that mean you're going out to catch him? Go ahead! Maybe we'll be reading about you sometime soon!
Posted by smaximous on October 16, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ventura County lost a decent and honorable man last week. Mike Grair and his family lived in Camarillo for many years, prior to moving out to Burbank, and contributed to this community as many Americans did. It is a shame not recognizing him as such. The coverage by the Star was superficial to say the least and did not give Mike the justice he deserves. I am a long time family friend to the Grair family and I am shocked by his sudden and unexpected death, and also by the lack of respect towards the death of a person. I pray to God that this community does not choose to sympathize the death of people depending on their ethnic background or where they gathered their wealth from. Mike was a very respectable man and we are going to miss him, my condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by camarillo_resident on October 20, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Listen all you complainers and Oxnard whiners. Oxnard's reputation is very well deserved. I have family in the law enforment field in both VC Sheriff and OXPD. I get the all of the info on all events where Oxnard is concerned. The is a very good reason why we live in Camarillo. It's NOT Oxnard. I have very close ties with the newspaper. Anyone who lives in Camarillo needs to understand that alot of what "happens" in Camarillo goes unreported in the Star. Why is that you may ask? Let's see. How about Camarillo is dependent on revenue that is brought in by so many outside the County shoppers at the Outlets and various nearby hotels. The Outlets generate millions of dollars in tax revenue and this city cannot afford to have a black eye on it like the one's are so obviously worn by Oxnard and Ventura. I too live very close to where the "body was found" but this was anything but random. The residents that occupy this beautiful and safe city known as Camarillo need not worry about some rogue murderer roaming our lovely streets in search of single occupants in automobiles parked behind vacant buildings. This is a singular incident and nothing more. The fact that the Star delays the reporting or downplays the circumstances is only a shock to someone not living in the real world. Everything is political. Oxnard gets more attention when it comes to crime because it is crime infested and a sespool. Ventura gets more attention because it too is a petrie dish overflowing with crime. In Camarillo you can walk your dog at night, visit your local ATM, not buy liquor at our gas stations, enjoy a movie in comfort, walk anywhere you would care to go, jog, and most of all take great pride in the fact that you live in such a beautiful city and we can watch the animals from afar.
Article discussions on this site are to support community debates of issues related to our stories and editorials.
Discussions should not stray from the subject of the story or editorial.
We do not allow the following:
- Posts that degrade others on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
- Disparaging remarks, abusive language or obscene comments.
- Threats, whether obvious or veiled.
We reserve the right to delete threads and/or ban users for these or other reasons we deem necessary.
Opinions are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.
There are 42 comments to this article.
Comments are found beneath the Yahoo! ad below.