A work-related argument between a man and his boss in a McDonald's parking lot in Lawrenceville, Georgia, escalated into a fatal shooting that left one man dead. The victim was identified as 43-year-old Donald Stewart of Commerce. The incident, which was described by police as isolated, led to the arrest of his employer, Michael Allen Todd, who was 40 years old at the time and a resident of Hoschton.
On the afternoon of February 19, 2025, Gwinnett County police were called to the
McDonald's located on Sugarloaf Parkway. Upon their arrival, they discovered Donald Stewart in the back of the parking lot with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators learned that Stewart and Todd, who was his boss, had been involved in an argument prior to the shooting. It was emphasized by law enforcement that the dispute was work-related and had no connection to the McDonald's itself, nor were the men employees of the restaurant.
Michael Allen Todd remained at the scene of the shooting and was cooperative when officers began their investigation. He was taken into custody without incident. A witness to the events also stayed and spoke with the police. Following the investigation, Todd was charged with malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was subsequently booked into the Gwinnett County Jail and was being held without bond.
