On January 17, 2024, at about 2:09 a.m., 57-year-old Eddie McAllister of Lawndale was shot and killed in the parking lot of Fabulous Charbroiled Burgers at 3301 Rosecrans Avenue in Hawthorne. McAllister, an off-duty, unarmed security guard and father of four, had stopped for takeout after his shift. Surveillance footage shows a verbal argument that turned physical; both men exchanged punches, fell to the ground, and the assailant then drew a firearm and shot McAllister in the chest. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Hawthorne police identified 54-year-old Darryl Deshon Fletcher as the suspect, located him in a neighboring city and took him into custody without incident. Fletcher was charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of ammunition prohibited under a prior conviction, and pleaded not guilty. McAllister’s family, including his daughter Emani, described him as a beloved father and community member and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Does anyone have information about the incident or the moments leading up to the confrontation?