Insets, left to right: Matthew Jackson (GoFundMe) and Dawud Burritt (Jacksonville Sheriff"s Office). Background: The Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida, where Burritt allegedly shot Jackson to death (Google Maps).
In a tragic incident that unfolded in Florida, an 18-year-old Burger King employee, Matthew Jackson, lost his life while attempting to intervene in a customer dispute. The young man, who had aspirations of joining the Marines after completing high school, was fatally shot during the altercation.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office was called to the scene around 8:40 p.m. on Saturday at a Burger King located on Blanding Road near Collins Road. Responding officers discovered two men with gunshot wounds. Sadly, Jackson succumbed to his injuries, while a 33-year-old man was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive.
Witnesses at the scene identified Dawud Burritt, 28, as the alleged shooter. Burritt was apprehended by deputies the following day and now faces charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder, and burglary. As revealed in a report by local CBS affiliate WJAX, the surviving victim recounted that the encounter began when Burritt entered the restaurant.
Despite having a friendship that spanned nearly ten years, the victim and Burritt had not spoken for about a year due to a past disagreement. Attempting to mend the rift, the victim approached Burritt with an offer to shake hands, which was rebuffed. This rejection escalated into a verbal argument and subsequently, a physical fight ensued.
While Jackson, who was on duty, attempted to defuse the situation, Burritt allegedly drew a firearm, prompting panic among the patrons. Eyewitnesses reported hearing two gunshots. When police arrived, Jackson was found lifeless near the drive-thru, and the injured victim was discovered at the back of the establishment.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Jackson's mother, Natasha Jackson, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to honor her son's memory and help cover related expenses.
"Matthew was not just my child -- he was a light, a protector, and a soul who brought warmth into every room he entered," she wrote. "Matthew loved to cook, and anyone who tasted his food felt the love he put into it. He cared deeply for the people around him, always showing up in the biggest and smallest ways. If you met him once, you remembered him forever. He was truly loved by everyone who crossed his path."
He was slated to join the Marines after high school graduation, which was "a reflection of his courage, discipline, and his natural instinct to protect others," the online tribute said.
Burritt remains at the Duval County Jail without bond. His next court date is set for Dec. 16.