An aspiring Marine and high school graduate, working at a Burger King in Florida, tragically lost his life while attempting to intervene in an altercation between customers.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Saturday, responding to reports of a shooting at a Burger King located on Blanding Road near Collins Road. Upon their arrival, officers discovered two men with gunshot wounds. Eighteen-year-old Matthew Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 33-year-old man was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive.

Authorities quickly identified 28-year-old Dawud Burritt as the suspected shooter. He was apprehended on Sunday and now faces charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder, and burglary. According to an arrest report from CBS affiliate WJAX, the surviving victim recounted to deputies that Burritt entered the Burger King where the incident occurred.

The victim, who had been friends with Burritt for nearly ten years, explained that they had a falling out about a year ago and had not been in contact since. While attempting to reconcile by offering a handshake, the suspect declined, leading to a heated argument and subsequent physical altercation.

Jackson, an employee on duty at the time, attempted to diffuse the situation. However, Burritt allegedly brandished a firearm, prompting chaos as everyone fled. Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots. Upon law enforcement’s arrival, they found Jackson’s body near the drive-thru window and the injured victim at the rear of the restaurant.

Natasha Jackson, the victim’s mother, started a GoFundMe on behalf of her son.

“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.