A “hard-working” mom of six was killed on the job in a shocking act that coworkers say no one saw coming — but the suspect may have been broadcasting warning signs online.
In Michigan, a manager at a local McDonald’s was fatally stabbed by a coworker following an argument on the morning of Thursday, July 10, 2025.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on the 17900 block of 9 Mile Road in Eastpointe. Police have identified the suspect as a 26-year-old female employee, who is now facing a charge of first-degree murder.
McDonald’s restaurant in Eastpointe, Michigan where Jennifer Harris died. From a video dated July 10, 2025. | Source: Youtube/ClickOnDetroitLocal4WDIV
The victim was identified by her family as 39-year-old Jennifer Harris, a mother of six who worked as a shift manager. The suspect, Afeni Muhammad, had reportedly been sent home earlier that day by Harris after an argument at work.
Muhammad allegedly returned later that morning — wearing a mask and carrying a knife — and fatally stabbed Harris inside the McDonald’s.
The stabbing was witnessed by a customer in the drive-thru, who fired a gunshot in an attempt to stop the attack. Fortunately, no one was hit. Eastpointe Police Detective Lt. Alexander Holish said:
“The suspect stopped stabbing the victim. She dropped the knife and started running away. The good Samaritan actually showed courage by running after the suspect and was able to detain her until officers arrived.”
Lt. Alexander Holish of the Eastpointe Police Department, from a video dated July 10, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ClickOnDetroitLocal4WDIV
Police arrived at the scene and arrested Muhammad. Harris was transported to a hospital for emergency medical aid. However, her injuries proved too severe, and she subsequently died.
Muhammad was arraigned on Friday, July 11, via Zoom from the Macomb County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. The investigation remains ongoing.
The victim’s family is grieving and searching for answers. “She was so good to everybody; a hard-working woman. My momma was even good to her,” said Antonia Griffin, daughter of the deceased, adding:
“We met the lady and everything. I don’t understand why she had to kill her.”
Antonia Griffin, daughter of Jennifer Harris, in an interview with Click On Detroit dated July 10, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ClickOnDetroitLocal4WDIV
Harris’s coworkers are also in shock. “I’m shocked. I couldn’t believe it. I was devastated,” said Kelly McAlpine, another employee at the McDonald’s. “I never would have thought something like this was going to happen there.”
The restaurant’s owner and operator, Yusef Alcodray, released a statement after Harris’s passing.
McDonald’s in Eastpointe, Michigan, cordoned off by police following the death of Jennifer Harris, with a police siren in the foreground. From a video dated July 10, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ClickOnDetroitLocal4WDIV
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in my restaurants, and we are taking this matter extremely serious [sic]” read the statement.
“We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the restaurant will remain closed until further notice,” the statement concluded.
Two days before the stabbing, on July 8, Muhammad posted two videos to her Instagram page. In the first video, she claimed to have been sent home early from work two days in a row and referred to Harris as a “bully,” saying:
“She’s a bully. This sh*t isn’t funny. She needs to understand that just because she’s a mother and got children doesn’t mean that she can come in the store, you know, disrespecting people, talking to them like everybody’s beneath her. She has no respect. And it isn’t funny at all.”
She also expressed frustration with what she described as “animosity” and attempts at “manipulation.” In a follow-up video, Muhammad discussed Harris allegedly saying she had once pulled a gun on her own children.
Muhammad claimed Harris had shared the story to intimidate her — but insisted she wasn’t afraid. In her earlier video, Muhammad had also claimed that Harris often likened her employees to “her children.”
Muhammad is active on social media, including Instagram and Threads. On Instagram, her account is labeled “Artist” and includes a link to a music video released four months ago on YouTube under her artistic moniker, Risen Phoenix.
The case is currently under review by Macomb County prosecutors. We extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the victim.