Two men died in a shootout Saturday morning during an argument outside a St. Augustine convenience store.

Canyon Charles Molitor, 25, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene of the shooting about 10 a.m. in the parking lot of King Food Mart, 667 W. King St., said Cmdr. Chuck Mulligan, spokesman for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

The other man, Elroi Ishmael Ashley, 30, of St. Augustine, was shot at least once. He fled the scene in a private vehicle immediately after the shooting. Sheriff’s detectives quickly located the vehicle in the parking lot of Flagler Hospital where medical personnel were administering emergency treatment to Ashley. He subsequently died after being taken into the hospital for surgery, Mulligan said.

Sheriff’s Office detectives learned that the men had been involved in a "digital communication" argument and agreed to meet at the store. Once face-to-face, the two men got into a verbal argument, which led to them each brandishing guns and shooting at each other. The gunfire erupted as uninvolved people entered and exited the store, Mulligan said.

No other injuries were reported. Sheriff’s deputies closed West King Street for several hours while searching for, and collecting evidence.

Investigation continues into what sparked the initial argument, Mulligan said.

Teresa Stepzinski: (904) 359-4075