Republishing Note: This story originally made headlines in November 2019.
Melvin Harris, a 41-year-old father from Phoenix, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a case that sparked intense debate. Initially charged with second-degree murder in 2018, Harris maintained he acted in defense of his daughter.
The incident occurred on August 2, 2018, near 19th and Dunlap avenues at a QT convenience store. Harris’s daughter emerged from the women’s restroom visibly shaken, reporting that a man had tried to enter her locked stall.
Security quickly removed the man, later identified as Leon Armstrong. Harris’s daughter pointed Armstrong out, prompting Harris to confront the situation himself. He told the security guard he would handle it.
Witnesses say Harris then punched Armstrong in the face, knocking him to the ground, and proceeded to continue the assault before leaving the scene.
