“I just don’t understand how you can just take someone’s life like that,” the late teenager’s sister said

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A 17-year-old McDonald’s employee was allegedly stabbed to death on what was supposed to be his day off by a 16-year-old coworker.

Deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to the fatal stabbing involving two teenagers at the fast food chain restaurant, located on Louetta Road in Texas, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, authorities said on social media.

Upon arrival, officers detained a juvenile male and located a separate male victim inside the McDonald’s location’s restroom.

Authorities said the victim suffered multiple stab wounds, and despite lifesaving efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both teenagers were employees of the restaurant, per police.

Hours after the incident, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez identified the victim as 17-year-old Reginald “RJ” Harrell.

The suspect, whose identity has not been shared publicly, was a 16-year-old male. He has since been charged with murder and booked into the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, authorities said.

“Preliminary information indicates that an altercation between the two employees escalated when one allegedly stabbed the other,” Gonzales said on Facebook, calling the situation “a heartbreaking tragedy involving two young lives.”

“Our thoughts are with Reginald’s family, friends and loved ones as they mourn this devastating loss,” he continued.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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According to his family, Harrell was working on what was supposed to be his day off.

“He did not have to go out like this. He didn’t have to be murdered,” his mom, Denisha Dennis, told CBS affiliate KHOU 11. “He did not deserve this at all.”

“I want the kid responsible; I want justice for my son, because I don’t have my son no more,” she continued. “He’s gone. He was only 17. And I can’t talk, I can’t hug him, he can’t say, ‘Ma, I love you.’ ”

Harrell’s sister, Kourtnee Dennis, told the outlet that she never imagined that the last time she saw her brother walk out the door would be “the last time that I see him and talk to him.”

“I’m hurt, because I just don’t understand how you can just take someone’s life like that,” she said, per KHOU 11. “I don’t know what happened in the bathroom, I don’t know what [transpired], but I feel like he didn’t deserve to be murdered.”

Following his death, Harrell’s family and friends gathered to remember the late high school senior, who planned to become a welder after graduation, releasing balloons in his memory.

“It’s very difficult. I can’t even process this information,” Denisha told KHOU 11. “He was left in the bathroom lifeless.”

Kourtnee added, “My brother stayed to himself. Looked out for who he loved. He would give you my last if he loved you.”

Michael Gutierrez, the owner-operator of the fast food restaurant, addressed the incident in a statement.

“We are saddened by this tragedy, and our hearts are with the victim’s loved ones and all those impacted,” he told KHOU 11. “Right now, our focus is on the well-being of our restaurant employees, and supporting them as they process these events.”

McDonald’s did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, Oct. 10.