Phoenix QuikTrip bathroom-line dispute ends in fatal shooting; suspect arrested and investigators outline timeline

What happened and where

A fatal shooting at a QuikTrip in east Phoenix is under investigation after police say a disagreement near the men’s restroom escalated into gunfire. The incident occurred on the morning of Friday, January 16, 2026, at the QuikTrip near 44th Street and Oak Street, between Thomas Road and McDowell Road.

Officers responding shortly before 8 a.m. found 52-year-old Danny Lyn Kaster injured on the floor outside the men’s bathroom area. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Suspect identified and taken into custody

Police arrested 25-year-old Deondre Stephon Franklin the following day, Saturday, January 17, 2026. Investigators described Franklin as homeless in court records referenced in public reporting on the case.

The investigation remains active, and the matter is expected to proceed through the Maricopa County court system.

Investigators’ account of the confrontation

Case documents described witness statements indicating the encounter began when Franklin entered the restroom area while others were waiting for a stall. A witness said Franklin bypassed the line and tried stall door handles, prompting Kaster to tell him there was a line. The exchange reportedly became hostile, and the two men moved outside the restroom area and toward the front of the store.

Surveillance-video descriptions contained in court paperwork indicate Franklin followed behind Kaster as they exited the bathroom area. The video description states Franklin pointed a firearm at Kaster and fired multiple shots, after which Kaster collapsed. Court documents described Kaster as having been shot multiple times, including in the face, shoulder and leg.

What witnesses reported after the shooting

Multiple witnesses reported seeing Franklin leave the scene in a gray sedan with a woman. Another witness told investigators he saw Franklin holding a gun and Kaster attempting to grab it, followed by additional gunshots.

Franklin’s statements to investigators

In an interview described in court documents, Franklin told detectives he went to the gas station to use the restroom and said he did not realize there was a line. He also claimed he felt threatened and fired in what he described as self-defense before fleeing. Records further state Franklin later contacted family members about the shooting, and he surrendered to police the next day.

Family response and memorial

Kaster’s family has set up a memorial outside the QuikTrip. Relatives described him as a brother, uncle, friend and dog lover, and said he had been heading to work that morning.

• Incident date: January 16, 2026
• Arrest date: January 17, 2026
• Location: QuikTrip near 44th Street and Oak Street, Phoenix

If you have information relevant to the case, Phoenix Police encourage witnesses to contact investigators through official department channels.