This is a developing story; check back with sacbee.com for updates.

The wife of a business owner was shot and killed Friday amid a robbery in which at least six people broke into a south Sacramento jewelry store, breaking glass and fleeing the scene within a minute, authorities said and residents.

The shooting broke out just before 11:45 a.m. at Kim Tin Jewelry on the 6800 block of Stockton Boulevard in Little Vietnam Plazasaid Sacramento Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi. The shopping center is north of 65th Street.

Deputies have not determined who shot the woman, Gandhi said, adding that investigators continued to document evidence as of Friday night. But the business owner fired at the suspects and the thieves allegedly returned fire, he said. Gandhi did not know whether the suspects had a weapon, sustained injuries or how much was taken during the incident.

The suspects remained at large as of Friday evening.

“Obviously some coordination was needed,” Gandhi said.

The Little Saigon neighborhood has several family businesses that are clustered in an area known for Vietnamese restaurants, grocery stores, and other small businesses.

“We shouldn’t have to worry about not being able to come home to our family,” said Robin Ha, who owns a restaurant two doors away from the jeweler.

Ha recalled seeing the victim at Kim Tin helping her husband while she was working at the store. She boasted a happy personality and always greeted Ha with a smile and a wave, she said.

“A very nice lady,” Ha said of the 50-year-old woman, who will be identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after she died at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.

Deputies locked down the shopping complex Friday afternoon, stretching into the night as they scoured the scene for evidence. They methodically lifted police tape to let patrons leave after asking if they had seen anything.

Gandhi said the suspects fled in two different vehicles that appeared to be sedans. He implored residents to call deputies if they see anything — even a short, quickly shot video could help investigators capture the suspects.

As the sun went down over the quiet parking lot, the woman’s friends and family arrived, seeking answers about what happened. They left in tears when deputies broke the news that the woman had died.

Ha hugged her son tightly. She cried for the woman’s family and what the victim’s husband saw. It

I couldn’t imagine watching a husband die.

“He’ll have that memory in his head for the rest of his life,” Ha said.

Anyone with information about this incident can call the Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115. Tipsters, who wish to remain anonymous, can also call Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357 or the Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-8477. Callers may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.