Editor’s Note: This story originally made headlines in November 2019. We are republishing it for renewed attention. Melvin Harris, a 41-year-old father from Phoenix, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Back in 2018, Melvin Harris was charged with second-degree murder after a deadly confrontation outside a QuikTrip convenience store near 19th and Dunlap Avenues in Phoenix.
The incident happened on August 2, after Harris picked up his daughter from the store. She told him that a man had tried to force his way into her locked stall in the women’s restroom. Security had already escorted the man—later identified as Leon Armstrong—out of the building.
After his daughter pointed Armstrong out, Harris reportedly told the security guard he would handle things himself.
Witnesses say Harris approached Armstrong, punched him in the face, and continued to beat him after he hit the ground. Armstrong sustained a critical brain injury and died a few days later in the hospital.
Harris ultimately pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and his sentencing was set for December 13.