The family of a 52-year-old man is in mourning after he was fatally shot inside a Phoenix QuikTrip after an altercation in a queue to use the restroom.
According to a report by Fox 13 Seattle, Danny Lyn Kaster, 52, was attacked inside the QuikTrip gas station near 4400 East Oak Street in the morning on January 16. Kaster’s family has called the incident a “senseless act of violence” over “the most ordinary interaction.”
Danny’s sister, Delca, told the outlet that Danny was waiting in line for the restroom with two other people. While they were queuing, 25-year-old Deondre Franklin cut in line. Danny reportedly said something to Franklin, and he responded by shooting him multiple times. Authorities rushed Kaster to the hospital, but he died from his injuries.
AZ Family cites a witness who was inside the bathroom at the time. Franklin allegedly skipped the queue and pulled on the stall handle. Kaster told him there was a line, and he responded, “He knew that.” Court documents reportedly say Franklin told Kaster they should “take it outside.”
The outlet also cites paperwork that says Franklin claimed Kaster was staring at him and “became hostile.” He said he fled the scene after firing his weapon because he was scared.
Delca told Fox 13, “We’ve been thicker than thieves since we were kids. We’re still in shock, honestly. He went to work on Friday, and now he’s never coming home.” She said in a statement, “This was a completely senseless act of violence. My brother was doing nothing wrong. He was not aggressive, not threatening, and not looking for trouble. He was just a man starting off his workday.”
Fox 13 Seattle reports that Phoenix Police arrested Franklin on Saturday. Authorities accuse him of murder, and Delca told the outlet that she will attend every court date. She asked that people remember her brother for the life he lived, and not how it was taken away. “My brother no longer has a voice, so now I have to be his,” she said.
Aiden, a relative, told reporters that Danny “always had a huge heart for animals.” Another relative, Shelby, fought back tears as she said, “I’m really sorry that he had to go through this. And he was probably really scared, and I just really love him.”
The outlet reveals that the police are holding Franklin on a $1 million bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for January 23.
Shannon has also set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the family. The post explains that they were completely unprepared and are struggling with the financial burden of funeral services. “Danny was a beloved brother, son, uncle, friend, and member of our community,” the post reads. “His sudden passing has left a void in the lives of everyone who knew him.”
