DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - A domestic dispute took a tragic turn at a KFC in Doral after, police said, a man fatally shot his wife in front of her co-workers, then turned the gun on himself.
According to Miami-Dade Police, the man walked into the fast food restaurant, located at 10765 NW 41st St., just after 11 a.m., Sunday, and asked for his wife.
Witnesses said the 53-year-old man began arguing with the victim over their 10-year-old son, money and other matters.
“They had some type of verbal domestic dispute in the lobby area that escalated into a physical confrontation,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta.
Investigators said the man then took out a gun.
“The subject pulled out a firearm and began shooting at his wife,” said Zabaleta.
Witnesses said the victim was shot in the stomach. As the 51-year-old mother of two tried to run away, they said, the gunman followed.
“She was attempting to get away. As she ran toward the back, he continued shooting her, striking her multiple times,” said Zabaleta.
There were four employees inside the restaurant at the time. Witnesses said one of them jumped through the drive-thru window to avoid getting shot.
Police said the shooter returned to the restaurant lobby.
“That’s when he turned the gun on himself,” said Zabaleta.
The couple, investigators said, were having marriage problems and were in the process of divorcing.
Area resident Daniela Dávila said it’s possible there were other issues.
“It’s sad. Maybe the situation goes deeper than just a fight,” she said. “Maybe it could be domestic abuse.”
Area resident Roberto Esquivel was shocked to see a heavy police presence at the restaurant.
“This stuff doesn’t usually happen. I’m kind of like shook, too,” he said.
Co-workers said the victim had worked at KFC for several years and was well-liked by fellow employees.
A spokesperson for Yum! Brands, the company that owns KFC, issued a statement that read, “We are shocked and saddened by this senseless tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of our team member. The KFC family is grieving with them, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time.”
“Domestic violence kills, and unfortunately, if you don’t take care of these domestic issues, they do escalate and end up in a tragedy like the one that we have today,” said Zabaleta.
Sunday night, 7News cameras captured a professional cleaning crew inside the restaurant.
Family members who came to the scene declined to comment on the shooting.
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