Jennifer Harris, affectionately known as “Jamma,” had been working at McDonald’s for 15 years to provide for her six children. But Thursday morning, she never made it home. The 39-year-old manager was fatally stabbed by one of her employees during a dispute at the Eastpointe McDonald’s on 9 Mile Road—just minutes after opening.
Witnesses say the incident started with a verbal argument. Harris reportedly asked the employee to leave the premises. Moments later, that same employee returned wearing a mask, hiding her face except for her hands. According to a drive-thru witness, that’s when she pulled out a knife and began stabbing Harris without warning.
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One customer, a licensed CPL holder, was waiting in the drive-thru and saw the attack unfold. In an attempt to stop the assault, he fired a shot in the air. The suspect fled, but he followed and held her at gunpoint until police arrived.
The attacker has since been identified by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office as 26-year-old Afeni Muhammad. She has been officially charged with first-degree murder. Muhammad, once thought to be friendly with Harris’s children, now faces life behind bars for the shocking killing.
Harris’s oldest daughter, Antonia Griffin, described her mom as selfless and hardworking, saying through tears, “She woke up every day to work for us. My momma died trying to take care of us.”
The children’s father is currently incarcerated, leaving the six kids without either parent following this senseless act.
The restaurant is owned and operated locally by franchisee Yusef Alcodray, who released a statement condemning the violence and affirming the restaurant will remain closed as law enforcement continues its investigation.
Adding fuel to the outrage, a video has surfaced online allegedly showing Afeni Muhammad speaking about Harris before the murder. In the clip, Muhammad claims she was being repeatedly sent home from work, painting a possible motive for the deadly outburst.
The heartbreak in Eastpointe is deep, and for six children now facing life without their mom, this tragedy is only beginning.
