PALMETTO, GA – A dispute at a fast-food restaurant in Palmetto resulted in a fatal shooting, leaving one man dead and a restaurant manager in custody, according to local police.
Authorities were called to the Bojangles on Roosevelt Highway shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday following reports of gunfire in the parking lot. Officers arriving at the scene discovered the body of Dominique Goodman, who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Investigators say Maurice Evans, 25, a manager at the restaurant, is accused of shooting Goodman during a confrontation that stemmed from an earlier incident involving Goodman’s teenage daughter, who is an employee at the location. According to police, the teenager had contacted her father after a disagreement with her manager, leading Goodman to come to the restaurant to address the situation.
Family friends stated that Goodman went to the restaurant out of concern for his daughter’s well-being. A heated exchange took place in the restaurant’s parking lot, culminating in Evans allegedly firing a gun at Goodman, resulting in his death.
Evans was arrested at the scene without further incident and transported to the Fulton County Jail. As the primary suspect in Goodman’s death, he faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. As of Monday, Evans remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Bojangles, the restaurant chain involved, expressed condolences to those affected by the shooting and emphasized that the franchise owner is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues. The company reiterated its commitment to the safety of both customers and staff and condemned the violence.
Goodman’s shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially as it occurred during a period of heightened family gatherings and celebrations. Community members have spoken out against the violence, urging those involved in conflicts to seek peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to weapons.
Palmetto police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the altercation and are interviewing witnesses to gather a clearer picture of the events that unfolded. They have not yet disclosed whether surveillance footage from the restaurant will be made available to the public.
Goodman’s family and friends are mourning his loss, remembering him as a devoted parent who responded in an attempt to protect his child. The teenager, whose identity has not been released, reportedly witnessed the aftermath of the confrontation.
Authorities have asked anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as they work to understand the full sequence of events. The restaurant location remains open, with local officials maintaining an increased presence in the area as the investigation progresses.
