Devoted Father Killed While Trying to Help Daughter in Trouble – Details

"I was shocked at how quickly things escalated," a person said. These are words that now frame the final moments of a Georgia father who went to help his daughter at her workplace, unaware of what his choice would bring.

A Georgia father was shot and killed Sunday afternoon, December 7, 2025, after going to a fast-food restaurant after his daughter had called him from work, according to police and family members.

Palmetto Police said the shooting happened around 1:15 p.m. that Sunday, in the parking lot of a franchise restaurant of Bojangles located at 9135 Roosevelt Highway.

Officers responding to a report of a person shot found a man dead at the scene, authorities said. Police said an argument between two men, identified as a Bojangles manager and the victim, escalated into what can only be described as a violent act.

Why the Daughter Called Her Father for Help

Relatives identified the victim as Dominique Goodman, a devoted father and a top salesman at Honda South, who had worked there for 3 years. A friend also described him as a good man whose life was moving in the right direction.

Dominique had rushed to the restaurant after receiving a call from his daughter, who works there. According to news outlets, who spoke to the victim's relatives, the manager had been picking on her.

"I guess her and the manager might have got into it or something like that, so she called her dad, which any child would do, and the dad came up there to see about his daughter," a family member said.

The family member, Marlene Lately, went on to describe Dominique's actions as what any parent would do, saying, "Which any parent would do if somebody arguing with their kid, you know. They coming up there to see what's going on, and I guess that's what he did [sic]."

How the Shooting Happened

The manager, Maurice Nolan Evans of Forest Park, was sent home but stayed behind in the parking lot. When Goodman arrived, they said he tried to talk to the manager, but the man got out of a car and shot him multiple times.

When 11Alive reporter Gilat Melamed spoke with Marlene, she further revealed that she immediately went to the restaurant after learning what had happened. "My son called me and I didn't hesitate, I jumped up and got ready and came out here," Marlene said.

On Sunday, authorities arrested Maurice, charging him with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He waived his first court appearance on Monday. The case remains under investigation.

What Nearby Workers Said as the Case Moved Forward

People who had business nearby said they were shocked by how it all happened. Lindsey Charles, who works in the area, said, "I was shocked ... he was shocked himself."

When talking about how the confrontation could have been handled better, Charles stated, "Instead of approaching in car, I would have asked to have a meeting," adding that:

"Things get out of hand so fast. I was shocked at how quickly things escalated... end somebody's life."

What the Loss Has Meant for the Family

Marlene later reflected on the impact of his death on the family, particularly during the holiday season. "I feel like she lost everything, her father, you know, she will never get him back. That's sad and that man should've thought before he made that decision," Marlene said.

"It's terrible, I mean, because here come Christmas, they waiting, you know, he probably got everything ready for them, and now you got to spend the holidays without your dad and they cousin and brothers [sic]," she said.

Where Bojangles Stands as the Investigation Continues

Bojangles responded to the shooting with a written statement sent to 11Alive, expressing sympathy and condemning the violence:

"We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred earlier today at a franchised restaurant location in Palmetto, Georgia. Our hearts go out to the victim and all those impacted by this senseless act."

"The safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority. The franchisee is fully cooperating with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. We strongly condemn all acts of violence. Out of respect for everyone involved and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we will defer further details to the police," the statement continued.

Who Dominique Was Outside the Fatal Incident

Beyond the tragedy at the restaurant, Dominique was a kind-hearted and deeply involved father. In a Facebook post dated December 4, 2025, Dominique reflected on perseverance and faith, writing, "It's a big ole world out there, get outta your comfort zone and see what other blessings the man up stairs have for you in other places, step out on faith."

The post added, "I started my journey with only ambition and a dream, no car, no house and no money like that at the time. No bragging or boasting let's just say I've been highly favored and blessed and I know the same things can happen to anyone who TRY! Stay blessed always [sic]!!"

Photos shared on his Facebook page also show Dominique celebrating milestones with his children, including standing proudly with his son on the young man's 21st birthday on June 22, 2025, and both his son and daughter posed together that same day.

In another photo from July 17, 2024, Dominique appeared alongside his daughter in her graduation gown, writing about showing up for her when others did not.

As the investigation continues, Dominique's family is left to grapple with a loss they say never should have happened — a devoted father gone after answering his child's call for help. Authorities have not released further details, and the court process against the accused is still unfolding.

For those who knew Dominique, his death has become a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary moment can turn irreversible, leaving behind grief, unanswered questions, and a family learning how to move forward without him.