Irving police say a Wingstop employee shot his manager to death after being told to go home early. That employee– is now charged with murder. NBC 5’s Alicia spoke to the victim’s family.
A man is facing charges after shooting his manager to death and injuring another co-worker when asked to leave work early at a Wingstop in Irving, Texas on Monday evening.
Marc Leon, 22, is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting death of 19-year-old Christopher Govea.
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According to the Dallas Police Department, officers responded to the 960 block of E. Irving Boulevard around 7:30 p.m. after reports of a shooting inside a fast-food restaurant.
When police showed up at the Wingstop, they found Govea's body and another man who had been wounded by gunfire. The second victim was rushed to a local hospital and is expected to survive his injuries.
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Homicide investigators said they initially learned that an argument transpired between Leon and another man, who both worked at the business.
"He was a new worker. He had like a week or two weeks of working there," Ruby Govea said. Ruby is Christopher's older sister.
An arrest affidavit obtained by NBC Dallas-Fort Worth stated that Leon was told to leave his shift early by his supervisor, Christopher. Before leaving the premises, Leon allegedly pulled a pistol from his waistband and shot Christopher several times.
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During the shooting, an employee who was standing nearby was grazed in the head and leg by stray bullets, police said.
Christopher's family said he had just started his shift around 5 p.m.
"A co-worker called my sister to tell her that he was shot," Ruby said. "Just why? He was a baby. He was 19. He was just starting to live."
The family said Christopher was the breadwinner for his parents. His father was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and his mother is the full-time caretaker.
"He was a hard worker," Ruby said. "He never, like, he never got into arguments, fights, anything like that. He'd just go to work, come home, sleep, go to work."
The family described Christopher as responsible and with a big heart for others. He was the youngest of seven children and a proud uncle of two.
"He was always trying to make jokes. He would always be singing," Ruby said.
Leon reportedly fled the restaurant on foot before officers got there but was later apprehended at a nearby location. He was taken into custody, and Irving officers said they recovered the handgun that Leon used.
While thankful that the suspected gunman is behind bars, Ruby said, "We just want our brother back, and we can't have him back. Nothing is going to change anything anymore. He's gone."
The police department said another employee who witnessed the deadly shooting told officers Leon was the only suspect who was involved.
"Why did the guy take it to that extent," Ruby said.
On Tuesday at 7 p.m., family and friends will host a candlelight service to honor Christopher. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear dark green.
"That was his favorite color," Ruby said.
