Phoenix gas station murder suspect had weapons charge tossed before fatal shooting, records show
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The individual charged with the fatal shooting of a 52-year-old man at a Phoenix gas station had previously encountered legal issues related to weapons, according to court documents.

Deondre Stephon Franklin, aged 25, faced charges in 2020 for possessing a deadly weapon while being below the legal age of 21. He was also charged with an alcohol-related offense, as detailed in records from the Peoria Municipal Court.

These charges were ultimately dismissed by the prosecution after Franklin adhered to court-imposed conditions, which included undergoing substance evaluation and participating in educational programs. As a result, Franklin did not receive a conviction for the 2020 incident.

Currently, Franklin stands accused in connection with a deadly shooting incident that, according to police reports, occurred during a routine morning visit to a QuikTrip gas station.

Mugshot of Deondre Franklin, 25

A booking photo of Deondre Franklin, 25, has been released by authorities. They have confirmed his arrest in relation to the tragic event at the Phoenix gas station. (Source: Fox 10 Phoenix)

Phoenix Police said 52-year-old Danny Lyn Kaster was shot and killed during a morning shooting at a QuikTrip in Phoenix on Jan. 16. Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 7:45 a.m. and found Kaster suffering from at least one gunshot wound.

Phoenix Fire Department crews transported Kaster to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries, police said.

Homicide detectives launched an investigation and were able to identify Franklin as the suspect. One day after the shooting, Franklin was arrested and booked on one count of murder, according to Phoenix Police Public Affairs Sgt. Rob Scherer. 

Police respond to a shooting in Phoenix

Police tape and officers seen near the area of 19th Avenue and Baseline in Phoenix, Arizona, as officers responded to a shooting on Saturday, Nov. 22. (Phoenix Police via X)

He is being held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 23, records show. The investigation remains active.

Authorities have not released details about a possible motive or whether the two men knew each other prior to the encounter.

Kaster’s family told FOX 10 Phoenix the shooting stemmed from what they described as a seemingly ordinary interaction inside the gas station.

According to family members, Kaster was waiting in line to use the bathroom when Franklin allegedly attempted to cut in front of him. When Kaster intervened, the family said, Franklin shot him.

Danny Lyn Kaster, 52, is shown with his dogs in an undated photo

Danny Lyn Kaster, 52, is shown with his dogs in an undated photo. Kaster was later killed in a shooting, authorities said. (Fox 10 Phoenix)

“He was killed in the most ordinary interaction,” family members told the station, adding that “it could have been anyone.”

Kaster was taken to the hospital following the shooting but died shortly afterward, his family said.

Loved ones told FOX 10 Phoenix they now want the world to know who Kaster was beyond the circumstances of his death, describing him as a special person whose life was taken far too soon.

Police have not said whether surveillance video captured the shooting or whether a weapon has been recovered.

Investigators are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Silent Witness.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Arizona Department of Corrections for comment.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

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