Customer killed by Checkers worker in dispute that allegedly started over extra mayonnaise

A verbal dispute over a food order at Checkers escalated into a fatal shooting. (Source: WESH, OSCEOLA COUNTY JAIL , OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, CNN)
Published: May 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM EDT|Updated: 4 hours ago
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ORLANDO, Fla. (WESH) - A fast-food worker in Florida is facing charges after he allegedly shot and killed a customer.

Police say a verbal dispute over a food order reportedly led to the shooting.

Elijah Mackey, 23, appeared before a judge for the first time Friday, where he was given no bond.

According to court documents, the shooting happened on Wednesday just after 10 p.m. Osceola County sheriff’s deputies responded to a Checkers restaurant on West Irlo Bronson Highway.

A customer was getting his food from the front window when he began arguing with a female employee and asked to speak with a manager, court documents stated.

A witness said the customer wanted more mayonnaise packets with his order.

However, the situation escalated, and authorities say surveillance video from Checkers showed Mackey climbing out of a drive-thru window and walking to the front of the restaurant to speak to the customer.

A witness said the customer then made a derogatory comment to Mackey and that’s when the 23-year-old pulled out a handgun from his waistband and shot the man in the chest.

Deputies said Mackey took off from the scene, but they were able to find him hiding in a stairwell at the Celebration Suites a short time later.

The customer was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

“The actions of this one employee do not reflect the values of the thousands of our hardworking employees across the country,” a Checkers spokesperson shared in a statement. “We are working closely with the police in their investigation, and we are sending our thoughts and prayers to the guest’s family.”

Mackey is being charged with premeditated murder with a firearm.