Former Taco Bell Worker Jonathan Morris Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Manager Ryan Johnson in Queensgate, Cincinnati [PHOTOS]

A former Taco Bell employee, Jonathan Morris, 21, has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting dead his manager, Ryan Johnson, 32, outside the Queensgate, Cincinnati outlet just one day after being fired.

The fatal shooting occurred shortly after midnight on August 29, in the parking lot of the Taco Bell restaurant on Gest Road, according to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.

Responding Cincinnati police officers found Johnson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The manager — described as a father of seven — was pronounced dead at the scene, FOX19 reported.

Former Taco Bell Worker Jonathan Morris Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Manager Ryan Johnson in Queensgate, Cincinnati

 

Authorities allege Morris returned to the franchise hours after being terminated, seeking revenge against his manager.

Assistant Prosecutor David Hickenlooper said in court that Johnson had been attempting to “help” Morris prior to the incident, calling the attack “senseless.”

Johnson’s grandmother delivered an emotional statement during court proceedings, declaring, “He killed my grandson. He doesn’t need to be out.”

Morris’ public defender told the court the accused had no money for bond, adding that he lived with his father and cared for his 1-year-old son.

Court records show Morris had previously been charged with aggravated robbery in September 2023 but was acquitted in March 2024.

Following a weeks-long manhunt, Morris was arrested and appeared in Hamilton County Court, where Judge Yates set his bond at $500,000 full (not 10%). If released, Morris will be subject to 24/7 house arrest with electronic monitoring.

Former Taco Bell Worker Jonathan Morris Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Manager Ryan Johnson in Queensgate, Cincinnati