Eastpointe, Michigan — A 27-year-old woman has been found mentally competent to stand trial for the fatal stabbing of her McDonald’s manager in Eastpointe. The ruling follows a court-ordered competency evaluation, allowing the legal proceedings to move forward in the case that has deeply affected the local community.
The incident occurred on July 10, 2025, when the woman, identified as Afeni Badu Muhammad, was involved in an argument with her manager at the McDonald’s located at 17921 9 Mile Road. Following the dispute, she was sent home early from her shift. Authorities report that Muhammad later returned to the restaurant, entered through an employee entrance while wearing a mask, and fatally stabbed her manager multiple times with a kitchen knife.
A customer in the drive-thru witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene by firing a warning shot. The customer then followed Muhammad as she fled to her vehicle and held her at gunpoint until police arrived. The manager, a 39-year-old mother of six, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Muhammad was arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and being a habitual offender due to a prior felony conviction in Virginia. She was arraigned on July 11, 2025, and is currently being held in Macomb County Jail on a $25 million bond.
In the weeks following the incident, a competency evaluation was conducted to determine whether Muhammad was mentally fit to stand trial. On October 8, 2025, Judge Kathleen Galen ruled that Muhammad is competent to proceed with legal proceedings. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 14, 2025, where a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the case to trial.
The tragic event has left the Eastpointe community in shock. Local residents and fellow employees have expressed their grief and disbelief over the incident. Memorials have been held in honor of the manager, and support has been extended to her family during this difficult time.
Legal experts note that the competency evaluation is a standard procedure in criminal cases where there are questions about the defendant’s mental state. The evaluation ensures that the defendant understands the charges and can participate in their defense, safeguarding the fairness of the trial process.
The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting issues related to workplace violence and the importance of mental health evaluations in the criminal justice system. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains hopeful for justice and healing.
Authorities have emphasized the need for peaceful conflict resolution and have urged individuals to seek help when dealing with interpersonal disputes. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of unresolved conflicts and the importance of addressing mental health concerns.
