Inset: Jennifer “Jamma” Harris, who was fatally stabbed by a coworker at a Michigan McDonald’s (WDIV via Harris’ family). Background: The McDonald’s where Harris was fatally stabbed on July 10, 2025 (Google Maps).
A 26-year-old McDonald’s employee in Michigan has been arrested after she allegedly killed her manager, stabbing the 39-year-old mother to death after the two had a verbal dispute that ended with the victim sending the suspect home early.
According to a news release, officers with the Eastpointe Police Department at about 7:55 a.m. on Thursday responded to a McDonald’s in the 17000 block of 9 Mile Road regarding a report of a stabbing and shots being fired.
A subsequent investigation revealed that there had been a “dispute” between the suspect and the restaurant manager resulting in the manager sending the employee home early. However, a short time later, the employee who had been sent home returned to the restaurant armed with a knife and “proceeded to stab the victim whom she had the prior dispute with.”
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A customer who was at the drive-thru window during the stabbing was armed with a gun and fired a shot in the air in an attempt to stop the attack. Authorities noted that no one was struck by the bullet.
The suspected assailant attempted to flee the scene, but the witness who fired the shot in the air gave chase and was able to detain the suspect until police arrived a short time later and took her into custody.
The victim was rushed to a local hospital for treatment, but she succumbed to her wounds and was pronounced dead. The victim’s family spoke to Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ about the tragic incident, identifying her as Jennifer “Jamma” Harris, a mother of six who had worked at that McDonald’s for 15 years.
“She was the best mom anybody could ever ask for,” Antonia Griffin, Jennifer’s oldest daughter, said. “My mama, she woke up every day and went to work for us, for us. My mama died trying to take care of us.”
The family also told the station that up until Thursday’s fatal stabbing, Harris and the suspect had been friends.
Following the attack, a witness discussed what took place with Detroit Fox affiliate WJBK.
“She started stabbing her and I ran for help and basically asked everybody like ‘help help’ or whatever,” the witness told the station, noting that the employee was wearing a mask when she came back. “I tried to stop her — it was no stopping her. She stabbed her everywhere.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information relevant to the stabbing to contact Eastpointe Detective Showers at 586-445-9415.
Yusef Alcodray, the local owner of the McDonald’s, released the following statement to several outlets:
“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, as the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the restaurant will remain closed until further notice.”
Police have not yet identified the alleged attacker. The department did not immediately respond to requests from Law&Crime for additional information.
