Dispute over restroom line preceded deadly shooting at Phoenix QuikTrip

PHOENIX – A dispute over the restroom line preceded last week’s deadly shooting at an east Phoenix convenience store, according to court documents.

Officers responded to reports of shots fired at the QuikTrip at 44th and Oak streets around 7:45 a.m. Friday, the Phoenix Police Department said.

They found 52-year-old Danny Lyn Kaster suffering from gunshot wounds on the ground outside the bathroom. Kaster was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 8:30 a.m.

Around 8:50 a.m., a man called 911 and reported that his stepson, 25-year-old Deondre Stephon Franklin, was responsible for the shooting, according to court documents.

The caller’s description of Franklin, his vehicle and his clothing matched witness descriptions and surveillance video from the store.

Franklin’s stepfather and mother both encouraged him to turn himself in to police.

Around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, a detective spoke to Franklin about self-surrendering, according to the probable cause statement for his arrest. Officers took the suspect into custody near 15th and Fillmore streets around 5:50 p.m.

What did suspect tell police about restroom dispute, shooting?

After being advised of his rights, Franklin told police he was homeless and went to the QuikTrip to use the bathroom. He said he didn’t realize there was a line and went to check the stalls.

Kaster, who was in the line, told Franklin there was a wait. As Franklin moved toward the end of the line, he and Kaster allegedly exchanged words.

Franklin said he was afraid that Kaster and a man who appeared to be with him might beat him up. He walked out and said he noticed Kaster following him.

The suspect said he then pulled a Glock pistol he was carrying out of his pants pocket.

“The victim allegedly reached for the pistol at which time the defendant fired approximately two times at the victim to defend himself,” the arrest report says.

Franklin said he left the scene because he was scared.

Witnesses provided similar descriptions of what transpired inside the bathroom before the shooting.

Franklin was eventually booked into jail on one count of second-degree murder. His bond was set at $1 million.

Related

Man dies at hospital after shooting at Phoenix QuikTrip, suspect arrested1 man dead, another hospitalized after overnight shooting in AvondaleSAFE Alert issued for missing 41-year-old man last seen in AvondaleWalmart buys 38 acres along growing West Valley distribution corridorGallego, Kelly urge FAA to revisit Phoenix flight path plans amid noise concernsMan critically injured after being shot, crashing car into an Avondale home