Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in November 2019. 41-year-old father Melvin Harris pleaded to manslaughter.
The Phoenix father who maintained he killed a man while protecting his daughter had been originally charged with second-degree murder in 2018. The incident, which occurred on August 2, 2018, unfolded after Harris arrived at the QT near 19th and Dunlap avenues. When his daughter walked out, she said that a man had tried to enter her locked stall in the women’s bathroom.
Security escorted the man out, and Harris’ daughter pointed him out. Harris approached the security guard and stated that he was going to take care of the situation himself.
According to witnesses, Harris punched Leon Armstrong in the face, knocking him to the ground. He beat him up some more then left. Armstrong suffered a severe brain injury and died a few days later. Harris’ sentencing is scheduled for December 13.