‘Absolutely senseless’: Arizona man killed over confrontation in gas station restroom
The suspect reportedly self-surrendered after telling his mom what happened on the phone.
PHOENIX — A small candlelit memorial is tucked into the corner of a Valley gas station.
The candle and flowers are for 52-year-old Danny Kaster who was killed inside a Phoenix QuikTrip last week.
“My brother was truly, he was a very, a very humble man, but at the same time larger than life,” Delca Kaster said.
Delca Kaster, Danny’s brother, told 12News she’s still in disbelief her brother was shot over a brief interaction.
“It’s absolutely senseless. Like over a restroom,” Delca Kaster said.
According to court records, Danny Kaster was in line for the restroom when the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Deondre Franklin, allegedly walked in and began trying to open the occupied stall doors.
A witness reported to officers that Danny Kaster told Franklin there was a line, to which Franklin allegedly replied that he knew.
The pair reportedly exchanged few words before Franklin allegedly shot Danny Kaster multiple times.
“That brief, ordinary moment, something any person might say, should have never cost him his life,” Delca Kaster said.
Danny Kaster died at the hospital.
His sister since learned one of the men in the bathroom comforted her brother until paramedics arrived.
“Probably in the most fearful time that he was able to walk my brother through it to keep him alert, keep him from being scared,” Delca Kaster said.
Franklin allegedly left the gas station before officers arrived and later called his mother and told her what happened.
She convinced him to self-surrender to police last Saturday.
Franklin is facing a second-degree murder charge and is being held on a $1 million secured bond.
Delca Kaster told 12News Danny was a loving son, brother and uncle. His dog, Max, was his entire world.
She’s holding memories with her brother closer than ever.
“We were just best friends,” Delca Kaster said.
A fundraiser was created to help the Kaster family with memorial expenses. Click here to donate.
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