Victim shot, killed in Mesa McDonald’s drive-through, PD says

MESA, Ariz. - A man was shot and killed in a Mesa McDonald's drive-through early in the morning on Saturday. A day later, the suspect was arrested.

Mesa Police say at around 3 a.m. on Jan. 13, officers were called to a shooting at the McDonald's at Country Club Drive and Southern Avenue.

When they got there, they found several people in the drive-through area and a man on the ground.

Police say Daniel Betker, 23, was shot. He died at the hospital not long after.

"Preliminary information is that two groups of people were involved in a verbal altercation while in the drive-through that escalated to the shooting. Detectives have several witnesses to interview about this incident," Mesa Police said.

On Jan. 15, police announced 26-year-old Carlos Heard II was arrested on Jan. 14 in connection to this shooting. He was booked into jail on suspicion of second-degree murder, endangerment, disorderly conduct/reckless discharge.

"Officers spoke to several witnesses and utilized video surveillance from the surrounding area to identify a potential lead on the described suspect vehicle, a black Hyundai Elantra. They located the vehicle on surveillance video and obtained a license plate, which identified 26-year-old Carlos Heard II as the registered owner. Heard II matched the suspect description provided by witnesses at the scene of the shooting," police said.

The Hyundai Elantra was found at a Mesa apartment complex. Search warrants for Heard's car and apartment were executed and at some point, a gun was found.

McDonald's murder suspect arrested, police say

26-year-old Carlos Heard II

‘Such a loving son’

Mother pleads for justice in her son's death

The mother of Betker is, of course, heartbroken.

"Daniel was such a loving son. Hard-working, independent. You couldn't ask for a better kid," his mother, Shawnette Hanson, said.

She says her son Daniel wasn't in a gang and wasn't affiliated with any type of negativity. She says he deserved better.

"When I got there, it was a mother's worst nightmare. Yellow tape, cars, shoes in the middle of the drive-through. There was so much blood, crying," she said.

She's hoping someone in the public will come forward with information leading to justice for her son.

"Always smiling, loved family, loved friends and he left last night. Didn't think that was the last time I'd see him," she said. "Unfortunately it was."

If you have information about this incident, contact Mesa Police by clicking here.