Phoenix gas station murder suspect had weapons charge tossed before fatal shooting, records show
Share this @internewscast.com

The individual accused of the fatal shooting of a 52-year-old at a Phoenix gas station had previously encountered legal issues related to weapons, according to court documents.

Deondre Stephon Franklin, aged 25, faced charges in 2020 for possessing a deadly weapon while under the legal age of 21, alongside an offense related to underage alcohol consumption, as detailed in the records from Peoria Municipal Court.

Prosecutors later dismissed the case after Franklin met all court-mandated conditions, which included undergoing a substance evaluation and completing educational requirements. The case concluded without a conviction.

Currently, Franklin is implicated in a deadly shooting that reportedly took place during a routine morning visit to a QuikTrip gas station, according to police.

Mugshot of Deondre Franklin, 25

Deondre Franklin, aged 25, appears in a booking photo. Authorities have arrested Franklin in connection with the deadly shooting at a Phoenix gas station. (Fox 10 Phoenix)

Phoenix Police reported that 52-year-old Danny Lyn Kaster was shot and killed during a morning incident at a QuikTrip in Phoenix on January 16. Officers arrived at the scene around 7:45 a.m. in response to gunfire reports and discovered Kaster with at least one gunshot wound.

Phoenix Fire Department crews transported Kaster to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries, police said.

Homicide detectives launched an investigation and were able to identify Franklin as the suspect. One day after the shooting, Franklin was arrested and booked on one count of murder, according to Phoenix Police Public Affairs Sgt. Rob Scherer. 

Police respond to a shooting in Phoenix

Police tape and officers seen near the area of 19th Avenue and Baseline in Phoenix, Arizona, as officers responded to a shooting on Saturday, Nov. 22. (Phoenix Police via X)

He is being held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 23, records show. The investigation remains active.

Authorities have not released details about a possible motive or whether the two men knew each other prior to the encounter.

Kaster’s family told FOX 10 Phoenix the shooting stemmed from what they described as a seemingly ordinary interaction inside the gas station.

According to family members, Kaster was waiting in line to use the bathroom when Franklin allegedly attempted to cut in front of him. When Kaster intervened, the family said, Franklin shot him.

Danny Lyn Kaster, 52, is shown with his dogs in an undated photo

Danny Lyn Kaster, 52, is shown with his dogs in an undated photo. Kaster was later killed in a shooting, authorities said. (Fox 10 Phoenix)

“He was killed in the most ordinary interaction,” family members told the station, adding that “it could have been anyone.”

Kaster was taken to the hospital following the shooting but died shortly afterward, his family said.

Loved ones told FOX 10 Phoenix they now want the world to know who Kaster was beyond the circumstances of his death, describing him as a special person whose life was taken far too soon.

Police have not said whether surveillance video captured the shooting or whether a weapon has been recovered.

Investigators are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Silent Witness.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Arizona Department of Corrections for comment.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
No Kings protests score City funds to sow chaos in California

City Funds Controversy: How ‘No Kings’ Protests are Sparking Unrest in California

Taxpayer dollars are once again being channeled toward supporting disruptive activism in…
Barcelona, Spain euthanasia: Noelia Castillo, 25-year-old Spanish woman, dies by euthanasia in case that drew national spotlight

Spanish Woman’s Euthanasia Case Captivates Nation: 25-Year-Old Noelia Castillo’s Journey Ends in Barcelona

MADRID — In a poignant conclusion to a deeply personal and public…
ICE arrests Latin Kings member after NYC sanctuary release despite assault charge on first responder

ICE Apprehends Latin Kings Member Post-NYC Sanctuary Release: Assault on First Responder Ignites Controversy

An undocumented gang member, accused of attacking a first responder, was apprehended…
Chicago police officer, Sullivan High School security guard on leave, 'engaged inappropriately with students,' officials say

Chicago Police Officer and Sullivan High School Security Guard Placed on Leave Amid Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct with Students, Officials Report

A Chicago police officer, who also served as a security guard at…
Illegal immigrant confesses to 2 cold-blooded murders months apart: report

Undocumented Immigrant Admits to Involvement in Two Separate Homicides: Report

An undocumented immigrant has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly admitting…
‘Lovers’ Lane’ murders suspect nabbed decades after couple found dead in car

Suspect Arrested Decades Later in Infamous ‘Lovers’ Lane’ Double Homicide Case

The “Lovers’ Lane” mystery, a cold case that has haunted Texas for…
‘They thought it was a bit’

Comedy Prank or Crime? Unbelievable Incident Leaves Bystanders in Shock

It seems the joke was on them. A comedian, recently targeted with…
Tiger Woods’ troubling history with prescription pills — after DUI bust in latest car crash

Tiger Woods’ Ongoing Struggle with Prescription Pills Resurfaces After Recent Car Crash

Tiger Woods’ troubled history with prescription medication resurfaced dramatically on Friday after…
Repeat offender allegedly shoots teen, pistol-whips victim after prank sparks violent retaliation

Alleged Repeat Offender Accused of Shooting Teen and Assaulting Victim Following Prank Incident

A Washington resident, previously convicted of four felonies, finds himself incarcerated once…
Chicago crime: Nassie Mason, Erving Harris targeted contractor Jerry Lewis in fatal shooting on Madison near United Center

Fatal Shooting Near United Center: Nassie Mason and Erving Harris Charged in Contractor Jerry Lewis’ Death

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a recent development, two men from Chicago have…
Report: China Is Mapping the Ocean Floor to Bolster Submarine Warfare Capabilities

China Advances Submarine Warfare with Strategic Ocean Floor Mapping Initiative

Politics Entertainment Media Economy World London / Europe Border / Cartel Chronicles…
Desperate Rep. Eric Swalwell may have broken ethics rules hitting up colleagues for AI cash

Rep. Eric Swalwell Allegedly Breaches Ethics by Soliciting AI Funding from Colleagues

Representative Eric Swalwell, along with his former chief of staff, have been…