A 62-year-old Indian immigrant was shot dead at a convenience store by an African-American man even as the assailant's minor sons watched in Arizona.

Police arrested Jermaine Canada, 27, who had a lengthy criminal record, within hours of the killing of Inder Jit Jassal.

Police said the surveillance video from the store where the victim was a clerk showed the attacker walking in, carrying toddler in one arm and an older boy entering later.

The man had a brief conservation with Jassal, pulled out a gun and shot the victim. There appears to have been no argument before the shooting.

Canada had been released from prison eight months ago after serving time for misconduct with weapons. 

"He went in, had a brief conversation, and shot the clerk," said Phoenix Detective Stacie Derge, adding, " It did not appear to be an argument."

Detective Derge said that investigators did not report any evidence to suggest the shooting was a hate-crime.

Investigators have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the slaying.

Canada, according to Arizona Republic newspaper, has a history of felony convictions that from his teenage.

His convictions include aggravated assault and drug possession.