What should have been a regular morning shift at a McDonald’s in Eastpointe, Michigan, ended in a devastating tragedy.
A beloved employee and mother of six, Jennifer Jamma Harris, lost her life in an act of violence that has shocked the local community and her grieving family.
Workplace Dispute Turns Deadly
According to reports, the suspect—identified as Risen Phoenix, whose real name is Afeni Muhammad—returned to the fast-food restaurant after a heated argument with Harris.
What began as a verbal disagreement escalated into something far worse.
The suspect allegedly came back armed with a knife and fatally stabbed Jennifer multiple times.
A Quick-Thinking Customer Intervenes
Amid the chaos, a customer inside the restaurant—who happened to be licensed to carry a firearm—stepped in.
Eastpointe police Lt. Alex Holish said the customer fired a warning shot as the suspect tried to flee.
The shot reportedly stopped the attacker until police could arrive on the scene.
“This Should Never Have Happened”
Lt. Holish expressed frustration over how quickly things spiraled out of control.
“For a verbal dispute to turn into this is ridiculous,” he told The Macomb Daily.
“People have to learn how to resolve their disputes.”
His comments highlight a growing concern about conflict escalation and workplace safety.
A Devoted Mother and Longtime Employee
Jennifer Harris wasn’t just a co-worker—she was a fixture at that McDonald’s location.
Her family shared that she had worked there for more than a decade, doing all she could to support her six children.
Her daughter, Antonia Griffin, spoke through tears: “My mama died trying to take care of us.”
The Suspect Was Initially Sent Home
Police confirmed that after the initial argument at work, the suspect had been told to leave the premises.
However, she later returned with a knife, and that’s when the violent encounter took place.
The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are expected.
A Community in Mourning
As the news spreads, so does the heartbreak.
Jennifer’s death has left a huge void not only in her family’s life but also in the community she served every day with a smile.
Friends, customers, and co-workers remember her as hardworking, kind, and fiercely dedicated to her children.
