A Houston-based attorney was fatally shot by an enraged McDonald’s customer after attempting to defuse a dispute over an order, according to local law enforcement. The lawyer, 46-year-old Jeffrey Limmer, was reportedly trying to mediate a situation where the customer was demanding a refund from a McDonald’s employee. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday at a McDonald’s located on West Interstate Highway 10 service road.
Rather than calming down, the customer shifted his anger towards Limmer, leading to a heated argument. The disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation in the parking lot, where Limmer pushed the man to the ground, as per police reports. The customer then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Limmer before escaping in a blue Ford pickup truck.
Limmer was pronounced dead at the scene. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Limmer’s sister, Jennifer Thomas, spoke to ABC 13 about her brother’s character. She said that Limmer was always the one to say, “Calm down. It’s not that big of a deal,” and try to defuse tense situations. She added that he was always eager to stand up for the underdog and do what was right.
Limmer, who lived near the McDonald’s where the incident occurred, was a frequent customer at the location. He was an alumnus of the University of Texas and had earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law. He was employed as an associate at the Lewis Brisbois law firm in Houston.
Thomas expressed that she wasn’t surprised that her brother had tried to calm the man who ultimately took his life, as he had dedicated his life to helping others. As the family awaits the arrest and prosecution of the shooter, Thomas said they take pride in the fact that he stood up for his beliefs. She described him as a good Samaritan who was trying to protect the McDonald’s employees from the irate customer.