An Arizona father is facing murder charges after he beat another man to death for entering the gas station bathroom that his teenage daughter was using.
According to ABC15 in Phoenix, 40-year-old Melvin Harris’ 16-year-old daughter was at a QuikTrip in Phoenix with friends on August 2 when she went to use the restroom. According to reports, Harris’ daughter told her father when he came to pick them up that a man had entered the restroom and attempted to enter the stall she was using.
Before Harris’ arrival, police say the daughter told a store employee about the incident and an on-duty security guard was notified.
According to reports, Harris confronted the man, identified as Leon Armstrong as he was leaving the store and punched him in the face. Witnesses say that Harris hit, stomped and kicked Armstrong repeatedly. Harris allegedly told police that Armstrong had sung first.
Armstrong later died at a hospital from his injuries. Harris was located by police at his residence.
Harris’ fiance Dianna Jackson says that Harris didn’t do anything wrong.
“I love him. He did what he was supposed to do for our kid. You cannot tell someone they’re wrong for protecting their children.”
Harris was arrested and booked on charges of second-degree murder. His bond was set at $100,000.
