MESA, AZ – A young man lost his life early Saturday morning at a McDonald’s drive-through in Mesa. The victim, later identified by his mother as 23-year-old Daniel Betker, was reportedly caught in a verbal altercation that escalated into a fatal shooting.
Mesa Police responded to the scene, located at the intersection of Country Club Drive and Southern Avenue, around 3 a.m. on January 13th. Officers found a group of people in the drive-through area, along with a man on the ground who had sustained gunshot wounds. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to authorities, the preliminary investigation suggests that the victim was part of a heated verbal exchange between two groups in the drive-through line, which ultimately led to the shooting. At this time, no suspects have been apprehended for the crime. Officers have multiple witnesses to interview as the investigation proceeds further.
Daniel Betker’s mother, Shawnette Hanson, spoke out about her son’s unexpected demise. She described him as a loving and hardworking individual, not associated with any form of negative groups or activities.
Faced with overwhelming grief, she recalled the devastating scene upon her arrival at McDonald’s. There was a chilling sight of yellow tape, cars, discarded shoes, and a puddle of blood in the drive-through area. As she mourns her son’s untimely death, Hanson fervently beseeches the public to come forward with any substantial information that may lead to justice for Daniel.
Anyone with information about this fatal shooting incident is encouraged to reach out to the Mesa Police.