EASTPOINTE, Mich. – “Afeni Badu Muhammad -- I also go by Risen Phoenix.”
Those are the first words we heard Wednesday from the woman accused of stabbing her McDonald’s manager to death in Eastpointe.
Muhammad, 26, of Eastpointe, was back in court this week for a probable cause conference. She is accused of first-degree murder and other charges after the July 10, 2025, death of Jennifer Harris, 39, at the McDonald’s on 9 Mile Road.
The July 23 hearing was ultimately adjourned, but here’s what you should know from what happened. (You can watch the whole thing in the video above.)
‘Risen Phoenix’
When Muhammad was asked to state her name, she did so, then adding, “But I also go by Risen Phoenix.”
“Risen Phoenix” is Muhammad’s username in Instagram, which police confirmed when Local 4 asked about two video rants posted to the account days before Harris’ death.
Competency and culpability evaluation
Muhammad’s attorney asked for her to be referred to the forensic center for a competency and culpability evaluation.
He noted that Muhammad “personally objects” to being referred.
The judge asked the attorney why he was making the request, and he said it comes after reviewing police reports and speaking to Muhammad.
The judge ultimately agreed.
What’s next?
The probable cause conference was adjourned, and a review date was set for Sept. 3, 2025, because the forensic evaluation could take 4-6 weeks, the judge said.
Since that hearing has been set, Muhammad’s July 30 preliminary examination was removed from the docket.
Charges
Muhammad is charged with first-degree murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and being a habitual offender, second offense.
Bond
The judge set Muhammad’s bond at $25 million, cash/surety.
If she posts bond and is released, she must:
- She must wear a steel cuff GPS tether
- She can’t leave the state of Michigan
- She must report a change of address within 24 hours
- She must have stringent daily contact with community corrections about her whereabouts
- She must undergo alcohol and drug testing
- She can’t have any contact with the family of the victim or witnesses
- She can’t return to the McDonald’s location
Jennifer Harris Legacy Fund
The Jennifer Harris Legacy Fund was started to help support six kids after their mother was killed in the Eastpointe McDonald’s stabbing.
The GoFundMe will benefit the children of 39-year-old Jennifer Harris, who was allegedly stabbed to death by 26-year-old Afeni Badu Muhammad at the McDonald’s at 17921 9 Mile Road in Eastpointe.
Full arraignment
You can watch Muhammad’s full hearing here: