A Mobile man is in the Baldwin County Jail on murder charges in connection to the Thursday, June 29, death of Jason Mallette outside Taziki’s Mediterranean Café in Daphne.

Daphne police worked the crime scene until after 5 p.m. Thursday. Based on the evidence collected, video surveillance footage, and witness statements, a suspect was identified and an arrest warrant was obtained.

Mallette was found shot in the parking lot of the eatery where he worked as a manager. He died of his injuries on scene.

The suspect, Travis Lofton, a 41-year-old Mobile resident, was located around 9 p.m. Thursday and arrested by the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. He is being held without bond at the Baldwin County Jail.

In a statement today, Brian Gulsby, Daphne Police Chief said:

“As to motive, we know this was a targeted attack. Lofton’s wife is a Taziki’s employee, and there was an apparent grievance with the victim. Whether that was actual or perceived remains under investigation.”

Gulsby also expressed his gratitude to the Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Mobile Police Department for their assistance.

He went on to say, “But most of all, I thank the men and women of the Daphne Police Department. This was a stellar example of police work by the officers, detectives, crime scene investigators and telecommunicators in this department and a prime example of the dedication they display every day.”