Man sentenced after bat-wielding girl intervenes in robbery attempt

A 37-year-old man, Conchobhar Morrell, has been sentenced to over two years in prison for attempting to rob a liquor store in Maplewood, Minnesota. The incident occurred on August 10, 2024, at Big Discount Liquors, where Morrell threatened the staff while armed with a BB gun. He pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted aggravated robbery in November 2024 and was sentenced to 36 months in prison, with credit for 97 days already served.

Morrell entered the store wearing an Amazon delivery uniform and demanded money from the store's manager, Leo, pointing the weapon at him. Surveillance footage captured the moment Morrell ordered Leo to hand over "everything," emphasizing his intent to rob the store while his 8-year-old daughter was present.

Despite the threat, Leo tried to reason with Morrell, prioritizing the safety of his daughter. As the situation escalated, Morrell walked behind the counter and a struggle ensued between him and Leo over the BB gun. During this chaotic scene, the young girl bravely grabbed a baseball bat and began striking Morrell multiple times, helping to fend him off.

In a surprising twist, Leo was unaware of his daughter's courageous actions until he reviewed the security footage after the incident. Her quick thinking and bravery contributed significantly to thwarting the robbery. Following the attempted theft, authorities apprehended Morrell just a few hundred feet from the store.

Amazon confirmed that Morrell was a delivery associate working for a third-party service. His actions have not only landed him in prison but have also garnered attention for the remarkable intervention by the young girl during a dangerous situation.