In the early hours of Saturday, January 13, a fatal shooting occurred at the McDonald’s drive-through located at Country Club Drive and Southern Avenue in Mesa, Arizona. The victim, 23-year-old Daniel Betker, tragically lost his life as a result of the incident.

Mesa Police responded to a call around 3 a.m., finding several individuals in the drive-through area, with Betker lying on the ground. Initial reports suggest that a verbal altercation between two groups escalated to the point of the fatal shooting.

Investigation and Suspect Arrest

Detectives are actively investigating the incident, with numerous witnesses yet to be interviewed. On January 15, Mesa Police announced the arrest of 26-year-old Carlos Heard II, the suspected shooter. Heard II was taken into custody on January 14 and is facing charges of second-degree murder, endangerment, and disorderly conduct/reckless discharge.

Police utilized video surveillance and witness statements to identify a black Hyundai Elantra as the suspect vehicle. The vehicle, registered to Carlos Heard II, matched the description provided by witnesses at the scene. Subsequent search warrants for Heard’s car and apartment led to the discovery of a firearm.

Heartbreaking Plea for Justice

Shawnette Hanson, the devastated mother of Daniel Betker, described her son as a loving, hard-working, and independent individual. She emphasized that Betker had no affiliation with gangs or negativity. Hanson expressed the heart-wrenching experience of arriving at the crime scene, witnessing the aftermath of the tragedy.

In an emotional plea, Hanson hopes for justice for her son, urging anyone with information to come forward. She shared fond memories of Betker as a smiling individual who loved family and friends.

Conclusion: A Mother’s Grief and Call for Information

The incident at the Mesa McDonald’s drive-through has left a community in shock and a mother grieving the loss of her beloved son. As the investigation unfolds, the plea for justice echoes, and anyone with information is urged to contact Mesa Police to help bring closure to this tragic event.