A Burger King employee in Florida, who had plans to join the Marines after high school, was tragically killed while trying to break up a fight between two men.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded around 8:40 p.m. on Saturday to the Burger King on Blanding Road near Collins Road after reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds. Matthew Jackson, 18, died at the scene, while another man, 33, was rushed to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover.
Witnesses quickly identified 28-year-old Dawud Burritt as the alleged shooter. He was arrested on Sunday and faces charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder, and burglary. According to an arrest report obtained by CBS affiliate WJAX, the surviving victim explained that he and Burritt had been friends for nearly a decade but had a falling out about a year ago. The two hadn’t spoken until the night of the shooting, when an argument escalated into a physical fight.
Jackson, who was on the job at Burger King, reportedly tried to intervene and break up the fight. Witnesses said Burritt then pulled out a gun, firing two shots, prompting everyone to flee. Jackson was found dead near the drive-thru window, while the other victim was located near the back of the restaurant.
Jackson’s mother, Natasha, started a GoFundMe in her son’s honor, writing, “Matthew was not just my child — he was a light, a protector, and a soul who brought warmth into every room he entered. Matthew loved to cook, and anyone who tasted his food felt the love he put into it. He cared deeply for the people around him, always showing up in the biggest and smallest ways. If you met him once, you remembered him forever. He was truly loved by everyone who crossed his path.”
The tribute also noted that Jackson had planned to join the Marines after graduation, a testament to his courage, discipline, and instinct to protect others.
Burritt remains in the Duval County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16.
why are there always so many fights etc in fast food places lately ? you arnt safe anywhere .i feel so bad for this young man only tring to do his job .why are people l so angry all the time. i see on the inernet all the time people going to fast food places and screaming at the help or causing a problem .but to go in with a gun makes you wonder is anyplace safe anymore?
Very sad.Seems like an intelligent boy who wanted to serve his country We pray for the family