On January 17, 2024, at approximately 2:09 a.m., 57-year-old Eddie McAllister, an off-duty security guard and father of four from Lawndale, California, was fatally shot in the parking lot of Fabulous Charbroiled Burgers located at 3301 Rosecrans Avenue in Hawthorne. McAllister had stopped by the restaurant to get takeout after completing his shift as an unarmed security guard.
Surveillance footage from the scene revealed that McAllister became involved in a verbal altercation with another individual, which quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. The video shows both men exchanging punches before falling to the ground, at which point the suspect drew a firearm and shot McAllister in the chest. Emergency responders arrived shortly after, but McAllister was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, Hawthorne police swiftly identified the suspect as 54-year-old Darryl Deshon Fletcher. He was located in a neighboring city and taken into custody without incident. Fletcher was subsequently charged with one count each of murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of ammunition prohibited under a prior conviction. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and remained in custody pending further court proceedings.
McAllister's family, including his daughter Emani, expressed profound grief over the loss, describing him as a beloved father and community member. They have called for justice and urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The tragic event has left a significant impact on the local community, highlighting concerns over violence and public safety.
