Man who followed teen girl into restroom beaten to death by girl's father; dad charged with murder

PHOENIX -- (KNXV) -- A man who tried to enter a teenage girl's bathroom stall was confronted and killed by the girl's father, officials say.

According to Phoenix police, around 11:30 p.m. on August 2, 40-year-old Melvin Harris went to a convenience store near Dunlap and 19th avenues to pick up his teenage daughter and her friends. A man, who would later become the victim, approached Harris's car in the parking lot and asked for money. Harris gave him some money, and the man went into the store.

Harris was later informed that a man tried to enter the bathroom stall his daughter was using. The teen told an employee, who in turn alerted an on-duty security guard. The man exited the store and was pointed out to Harris.

According to witnesses, Harris approached the man and punched him in the face. Witnesses also reportedly told police that Harris stood over him, hitting him in the face several more times and allegedly kicked and stomped on him. Police identified and later located Harris at his home nearby. He reportedly told police that the man punched him first, hitting him in the neck. He denied striking the man when he was down.

The victim was taken to the hospital with a broken nose and brain injuries. He later died. Harris has been charged with second-degree murder.