On September 8, 2024, a fatal shooting occurred in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant on LPGA Blvd. in Daytona Beach, Florida. The victim, identified as Brian Nickolas Collins, a 30-year-old father of 10, was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident began as a road rage altercation in the McDonald's drive-thru lane. Collins and his girlfriend, Cassie Barnette, had stopped to pick up dinner for their children.
A minor collision between their vehicle and another car in the parking lot escalated the situation. According to the incident report, Collins got out of his vehicle and approached the other driver, punching him through the window. The other driver claimed that Collins had a knife and, fearing for his life, shot Collins once.
Barnette, who was with Collins at the time, described the rapid escalation of the incident, stating it happened within a 20 to 30 second window. Despite her efforts to save him by performing CPR, Collins died shortly after the shooting.
The suspected shooter, a 40-year-old man, called 911 immediately after the incident and claimed he acted in self-defense. He was briefly detained by police but not arrested, as the investigation is ongoing. The gun used in the shooting was found in the trunk of the shooter's vehicle.
The family of Brian Collins, including his mother, sister, and girlfriend, are seeking justice and remembering him as a kind and generous person who would always help others. They are currently raising funds for his funeral arrangements and supporting the children he left behind.
The case is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed yet. Florida's "stand your ground" law may apply in this case, which could influence the outcome of the investigation and any potential charges.
